Awestruck and drooling, I looked longingly at a photograph at a local gallery, wanting to take the work home with me. The price tag of $3,000 was quite reasonable (really), but not exactly in my price range and the large framed photograph wouldn’t discreetly fit in my bag.

The many events I attend have made a remarkable dent in my checking account, but have lightened the pain of my savings account – nothing has gone in, leaving nothing available to come out.  However, my arts addiction and event-going has also resulted in actually saving me a fortune in bad gifts for myself and friends, and re-channeling my spending cash towards purchasing several art works that I find both inspiring and enchanting.

If you want to check you inner Andy Stitzer and outfit your home with love and style, here are several tips: 

Tip one: Enjoy the gallery walks. They happen often (check out Wash Ave, the Loop, Cherokee Street, and Grand Center).  They usually feature complimentary wine and face time with the artists.   If you see something you like and the price is a bit more than you have in your wallet, many galleries will arrange payment plans (think layaway).   Cost of the evening: nada.

Tip two: Check out the Flat Files at the Contemporary.  Look through hundreds of pieces of original art with the price tags attached. Some start at $25 with most being under $500. You then give the artist a call and offer to buy one of the works. Cost of the day: nada.

Tip three: Mark your calendars for the art fairs this fall.  Art Outside at the Schlafly Bottleworks, which is the first weekend of September, features local visual and performing artists in addition to those exploring video and the written word.  Cost: nada.