Educating art collectors about Black Artwork

What is the obsession with the Harlem renaissance artist with Galleries and the media when it comes to recognizing black artist? Are art galleries over looking worthy current artist. It seems like they are always 30 yrs behind the times. This overly passionate connection Bearden, Douglass, Catlett, Motley, Critchlow and etc. I love their work; but to place the educated collector on making a key choice of their investment this is critical. Most of these work have appreciated over the time which all quality art should. This adds certain pressures for the collector because some make their purchase as a social status. Example to show proles many would state that they own a Bearden. But many are bragging only to say that its a serigraph, hand pulled lithography or limited edition lithograph. But how many can truly say they are an owner of one of these artist original paintings. Most of the originals are owned by private corporations or few individuals. While others spend thousands of dollars just to own a reproduction. Out of that purchase how many originals could have been purchase from an up an coming artist or mid career artist. I compare those purchases just people to jump on the old bubble of the technology stocks before the first burst of overpriced stocks.
I have traveled to many art show & jazz shows across the country and have seen young artist selling and moving original paintings growing collectors show after show. Most of these artist average price ranges could be from minimum $500.00 to 8 to $10,000 depending on the artist.
I always tend to educate the consumer from the very beginning. There are plenty of time I may have someone looking to purchase one of my framed limited edition prints. The size may be
24 X 36 at a cost around $500. Then I will explain to them that the my smallest original which is about 8 X 10 sell for $500.00 but if they purchase this they will truly be a collector. I appreciate any purchases of my limited prints, but they have to know that their overall goal is to someday own an original.
Many of other ethnic groups have realize the importance and the value in African American Art unfortunately before our own people did. So many of us finally caught on that it was important from watching the "Cosby Show" or "The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire" even though we as a community was first introduce to black art on"Good Times" until research would show that the artwork was created by Ernie Barnes and not Jimmy Walker which so many believed.
Who will invest in the next wave of great artist because we are here and waiting. Five years from now the rate of most of these artist you will not be able to purchase that same small original for $500.00 the appreciation for artwork shows a better return than the stock market.

Happy collecting

C. Grayson III