This issue's opinion cowboyartshow.com receives quite a few information requests about prints bought a decade or more ago from California galleries which were large retailers. The requests center around the curremt alue of the work in question, as well as where information about a particular artist can be found. almost 100% of the time, I cannot find the requested data, since the galleries are out of business and the research sources lack the artists' names. Whenever you buy a print from a gallery, department store, or a local art show, a few of things should be kept in mind: You buy the print because you like it The print should be signed and numbered Production of more than 200 (200/200 marked on the print, along with signature) makes the print technically a commodity, as opposed to "art". If the print does not come with a provenance, get all the information about it that you can, if you believe you may need to have it replaced in the future, or if the print is within the 200 copy range, if you want to check on its value at sometime in the future. Don't forget that much work - including "original" art, is bulk produced - that's why you can find framed oil paintings, for instance, at very low prices; i.e., $39 Art cannot be sold for investment value - should the work you bought increase in value, great! As stated above, buy art because you like it, because it gives you pleasure to look at it. If you want to become a serious collector, do your homework. Also take a look at the "Collecting Art for Fun and Profit " in the next column. A note from one of our readers In response to some quotes listed in the last issue (Vol3, Number 1), Ken Moore, out of Stockton, CA, wrote in response to the Casey Tibbs (March 5, 1929 - January 28, 1990) remark ("You could take me in a plane and drop me just about anywhere. And I know that somehow I'd make out. Maybe the American cowboy represents the last of the free men."): "There are more of us then you might think. Hunters, fishermen, NRA members, VFW members, Scouts, Native Americans, and various outdoorsmen are also still free. We can defend ourselves, sustain ourselves, and properly appreciate the great and wonderful country we have inherited from the founders and the natives before them. Keep riding, partner." 'til we hear from you - or next issue, whichever comes first, Joe Chernicoff, CAPA Exec. Director A New Feature at cowboyartshow.com If you haven't yet read the new column on the cowboy life - "Over The Edge", by Bob Kinford, now is the opportunity to do so. Whether or not ranching has been your life, or you've spent some time working with cattle and horses, or have just dreamt about the life, you'll enjoy Bob's comments. Bob says "I was raised outside Jackson California and worked on neighboring ranches and farms while I was in school. After graduating in 1972 I spent the summer wrangling dudes in Grand Peton National Park. Since then I've spent most of my time cowboying, shoeing and training horses around the west. I've written two books of short humorous stories based upon my experiences, changing only the names and locations to protect the guilty."

Collecting Art for Fun and Profit with permission of art-collecting.com Ten things to remember when starting an art collection - Tips for beginning as well as experienced art collectors. Buy art because you like it, and because it moves you, and because it enhances your life Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events Visit and join your local Art Museums and Non Profit Art Centers Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art Attend National Art Expos and Art Fairs whenever possible If you know art collectors talk to them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting Read art and art history books or books on collecting art Subscribe to a few art magazines Read reviews by local and national art critics, but keep in mind that reviews usually just reflect one persons opinion Rodeo Schedules and Information How popular is the sport of rodeo? Here are some stats from about a year ago: 53% of fans are male, 47% are female  72% are 18-49, 70% are 25-54, 28% are 50+ 70% earn $35,000+ annually 50% earn $50,000+ annually 29% earn $75,000+ annually 65% are White&;23% are Hispanic 8% are African-American 61% are married 47% have children 71% own their home 63% attended college; 23% graduated college 66% own a computer 63% own a cell phone 71% have a savings account 55% use an ATM bank card 11% have a personal bank loan 8% use on-line banking  32% own mutual funds 29% have a 401-K plan 6% use a discount broker The above demographic information was from one of our favorite cowboy's web site - 1998 World Champion Bareback Rider Mark Gomes Some Rodeo Schedule sites World of Rodeo Cowboyway Rodeo Mining Co.