Boston's Best Shops To Buy Affordable Art

Every art collector knows that buying art can be a very expensive hobby. Nonetheless, art brightens up spaces, evokes emotions and is enjoyed by even the least artistic individuals. For most people, art is like furniture. It is great it if it is nice, but spending too much on it is not an option. Thankfully, Boston has the average art buyer covered. There are a number of places to buy art for much less than upscale gallery prices.

Gateway Gallery And Store
62 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 734-1577
www.gatewayarts.org

The Gateway Gallery and Store is a place for artists with physical and mental disabilities to sell their wares. It not only promotes competence and self care in people who have difficulties in more common fields, but it also allows patrons to see art in a different way. Gifts that feature art by the Gateway Gallery artists are fairly priced and include puzzles, mugs and t-shirts. Original works by the artists, such as sculptures and prints, are pricier, but are often available for under $200.

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Proof Gallery
The Distillery
516 E. 2nd St.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 702-2761
www.proof-gallery.com

Proof Gallery is located in The Distillery with a number of other galleries so visitors will have a lot to see when more than one studio or gallery is open at the same time. Contemporary, innovative and experimental art and artistry is the norm at Proof. However, the real draw for those looking for inexpensive art are Proof's flat files. Flat files are known for being less expensive, as they are original prints and drawings rather than more expensive works like paintings and sculpture. These are available to peruse by appointment or during gallery hours.

Carroll And Sons Art Gallery
Boston Drawing Project
450 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 482-2477
www.carrollandsons.net

Another gallery that houses an impressive selection of flat files at reasonable prices is Carroll and Sons Art Gallery. This is largely thanks to its Boston Drawing Project, which invites artists to submit drawings, no charcoal, to sell in the gallery. Pieces range in medium from ink to paint. There are also photographs for those interested in hanging photographic prints. Of course, the selection is rather limited to potential wall art, but the prices are good for original pieces.

Childs Gallery
169 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 266-1108
www.childsgallery.com

Located in a great neighborhood for art shopping, the Childs Gallery has a little bit at both ends of the price spectrum. Shoppers will see some pricier items, but taking the time to peruse the gallery's offerings will reveal less expensive pieces that are affordable for the average art buyer. Look for the gallery at art and jewelry fairs and exhibitions for nice pieces at good prices as well. This gallery offers a wide variety of artists and styles at a wide range of prices.

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Museum Of Fine Arts Gift Shop
465 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.mfa.org

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a lot of great art on display that will never be up for sale, at least not for an affordable price. Luckily, art fans are able to get prints, t-shirts, mugs and much more at the museum's gift shop at typical museum gift shop prices. This is one of the best places in town to get a gift for someone who enjoys art, but it is also a great place to get home decor, coffee table books and games. Even sculptures and glass art are within financial reach at the MFA Gift Shop.