If Gumby Were A Shape-Shifting Sofa, Here's How He'd Look

We love this article from fastcodesign.com, written by one of our favorite editors Suzanne Labarre

Sosia packs an entire living room's worth of furniture into one Chinese acrobat of a sofa.

 

If you’re a regular reader of our site, you know that we’ve got a bit of a thing for flexible furniture, whether it’s a couch that indulges all your bitchy moods or the touchpad-controlled “Dynamic Life” that’s either the world’s techiest transforming sofa or the world’s drabbest robot. But for sheer bendy cred, Sosia, by the young Italian designer Emanuele Magini, beats 'em all. This chameleon of a living-room fixture can morph into a sofa, a bed, a set of chairs, a changing room, and all points in between. And with its bright green foamy surface, it both looks and acts exactly like you know who.

For the full article, please visit:  http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663764/if-gumby-were-a-shape-shifting-sofa-heres-how-hed-look?partner=co_newsletter

We have some fabulous artwork that would look amazing with this sofa, just in case you're interested, call us at (888) 440-9260 and we'll help you with your art and design needs anywhere in the US!

Design is a Differentiator

from ASID Eye on Design:

Not even the Great Recession has trumped the importance and differentiation potential of design excellence. Leaders who responded to our survey reported a renewed client interest in quality and return on investment. Note that these characteristics are not mutually exclusive. Enduring performance and a holistic focus are important to owners. Geopolitics outside the United States is placing high value on the importance of design in our collective future — not just designing for problems that need to be solved but designing for prevention.

We can help you design your space with artwork that makes a statement, enhances your image and improves client retention.  www.artrentandlease.com


For the complete story visit: http://www.di.net/articles/archive/new_opportunities_but_little_recovery/

Do More With Less - Art Doesn't Have to be Expensive

Art doesn't have to be expensive.  The economy has forced firms to do more with less and we can help when it comes to filling your empty walls with artwork.  For just a few dollars per day we can place original paintings and sculpture in your common areas....really.  We can also stretch that thin budget with framed prints and photography - just give us a call at (888) 440-9260 for more information.  Our consultants are located throughout the US and specialize in art consulting, framing, art installation, shipping and best of all, helping you make your selection within your budget - quickly and easily!

The Art of Paintings and Rugs - $85 Monthly Rental

Yes, $85 rental per month for an 8' x 11' hand-made wool rug and an original 36" x 36" painting.  These 2 pieces can really change the look and feel of a room or office.  We have dozens of rugs and thousands of paintings to choose from, give us a call at (888) 440-9260 for a free consultation anywhere in the US!

What Can a Corporate Art Consultant do for YOU?

Anyone who makes decisions regarding a space where any work is done should consider the time and cost savings of an art consultant. An art consultant is invaluable in the decisions of where to place art, what kind of art, and what financing options are available to meet budget needs.

The two biggest stumbling blocks to moving past bare walls is fear of picking something that someone will not like and then working within a budget. Believe me, an art consultant has everyday experience in these two hang ups. To say that most people in that position feel your pain is an understatement.

What often happens is that those two points cause decision makers not to decide and those walls stay empty. The message to customers and the morale of employees remain bare and tax incentives are left on the table.

Obviously, Building and Facility Planners can and often do benefit from the services of an art consultant. But there are so many others who could benefit. Within almost any budget. Have you ever thought about utilizing an art consultant for short term needs? Examples of short term options where an art consultant can be an invaluable part of the team are advertising shoots, home staging's for resale, open houses for professional offices or even movie sets.

So, what are you waiting for? Call us today and start reaping the benefits! 888-440-9260 for a free initial consultation.

Need Art? No Budget? RENT IT & ENJOY!

You need artwork for your lobby, building, or conference room, but don't have thousands of dollars to spend. What's your option? To lease or rent.

The factors to consider:
Rental vs. Lease, short term vs. long term, use vs. ownership. All good questions when considering whether to rent or lease artwork...with one exception: Tax Deductibility.

Why rent from Art Rent and Lease?
1. Art you rent is tax-deductible as a business expense;
2. Low up-front costs: typically just the first and last rental payment in advance plus any installation or design costs;
3. No one will know it's rented but you and your accountant;
4. Rentals allow you to rotate your artwork every so often if desired;
5. Simple rental agreement with terms from 1 week to 24 months;
6. No fixed purchase requirement at the end of the rental. Your options are to continue renting on a month-to-month basis, return the artwork, or negotiate a separate purchase;
7. We make it easy.  Our consultants provide solutions for budgeting, artwork selection, framing, installation and collection management;
8. If you need it fast, we can deliver and install anywhere in the US within days (photo shoots, movie sets, special events);
9. We're a woman-owned business established in December 2000 and have placed artwork across the US to virtually every type of industry;
10. We have thousands of original paintings and sculpture to choose from, much is eco-friendly and sustainable;

For more information on a True Art Rental, call Lisa Powell at (888) 440-9260 x710 or visit our website: www.artrentandlease.com

How to Install a Priceless Work of Art in 60 Seconds or Less!

Love this from the Art Gallery of Ontario!  Not something we'd try with a priceless masterpiece, but really fun to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_R2V9YM_qA&feature=related

Why Rent or Lease Art?

Why rent or lease art?  Simple:

1)  A business can expense a rental payment on artwork
2)  Low up-front cost conserves capital
3)  No one knows it's rented but you
4)  Our consultant visits your office to view your space,
     we'll make recommendations and provide a cost
     estimate/proposal, complete installation, voila!

We have thousands of original paintings and sculpture
available from artists throughout the US, with prices from
$25 to $800 per month per painting, and groups of 6 - 8
paintings starting at $195 per month. 

We've rented art to Hedge Funds, Insurance Companies,
Banks, Law Firms, Medical and Dental Offices, Building
Managers, and more - it's simple, cost effective and always
on-time.  Call us for more information or to schedule a free
consultation: (888) 440-9260 x710

**Woman owned, established in 12/2000 with offices in
New York, Austin, Boston, Washington D.C., San Diego,
Minneapolis, Portland OR, Sacramento and Philadelphia.

Fall Palettes of Green

Fall Palettes of Green

Fall is upon us and the magical transition has begun – Time to celebrate the spectacular display of fall’s warm tones.


On tiny canvases of apples and leaves, darkening greens are melting into reds and oranges.


Earthy greens sometimes veer to rusty oranges.





Pink is not thought of as particularly autumnal and yet, nature sparkles with pink highlights. It enlivens the more traditional fall hues.



 
The elegant and feminine combination of Living Coral and Green Woodbine, two of this season’s Pantone colors might be perfect for the little house.



For more on colors for your space, visit us at http://www.artrentandlease.com/, or call for a free consultation: (88) 440-9260 x710. 
 
Thanks to http://www.sensationalcolor.com/ for their fantastic articles on color!

Help! I need Art, Furniture & a Rug NOW

Help!  A new client called and needed artwork, furniture and an area rug in their building lobby for the grand opening - in two weeks, O.K., and the budget wasn't huge - $250 per month.  Here's the result:

Thanks to our fabulous designer and art consultant Betsy Ingram and our fantastic suppliers, we were able to provide and install beautiful Italian leather oversized chairs, an oval wood and glass coffee table, three framed paintings and a stunning contemporary wool rug below budget and within the time frame needed.

If your space needs a facelift, re-framing, to fill empty walls or if you have an event coming up, let us know.  Our designers and consultants are located throughout the US and can help you with budget, selection, delivery & installation quickly and inexpensively.  Free initial consultation, call us at (888) 440-9260 x710.

2011 Budgets Just Around The Corner

Summer is over, how can that be?  It seems like just yesterday that I was pulling out my white pants for the season!  Now it's time to embrace Fall and Winter, put away those warm weather clothes, summery throw pillows, prune the plants and bring out the warm socks.

For many of you it's time to plan for 2011 budgets, update your space and prepare for the new year.  If you need to spruce up your home or office, re-frame, redorate or you are relocating or expanding, consider working with one of our art consultants to maximize your art budget.

You can check out the website at http://www.artrentandlease.com/ and see over 3,500 original works of art from artists throughout the US.  For more information, please follow our blog - it talks about many different areas within the world of art: artists, artwork, color, design, styles, tax-deductions on art rentals, art leasing, art for your building or office, utilizing art to improve your corporate image and enhance employee morale...all meant to help and inform.

Lisa (888) 440-9260 x710 or lisa@artrentandlease.com

Art Styles for Art in the Workplace: Traditional and Fine Arts

Fine art is the classification of paintings, sculptures, photography or even prints that subscribe to the very traditional rules of artistry. Another way to put it is that artists who work in the fine arts do not color outside of the lines. Fine art refers to the tradition of the process not the quality of the artwork.

Traditional paintings are generally oil or watercolor and would most likely include impressionists, still life's, painted portraits and historical events. It is generally historical in nature. Original paintings are extremely rare and exorbitantly expensive so a reproduction is more likely to appear in anywhere other than an art museum. It is crucial that the reproduction, framing and installation be of the highest quality and workmanship. Save the reproduction posters for the dorm room or early apartment. Click here to learn more about fine art at http://www.wikipedia.com/

Traditional art fits well in a professional office building, professional office, or upscale hotel. The piece will give a strong sense of tradition, safety and security.  To find the perfect traditional piece for your office, work with your art consultant. She will work within your price range to provide the very art that speaks your corporate message.

For a free consultation on fine art for your home or office, contact us at (888) 440-9260 x710 and visit our website at: http://www.artrentandlease.com/ - we offer a variety of styles of artwork from artists throughout the US, including eco-friendly, sustainable artwork.

The Impact of Color When Selecting Artwork for Your Office: Brown

If you are selecting art for a work space where the important quality for people to feel is "comfortable within their environment", consider using shades of brown. Any office where there is an emphasis on earth, the environment or things that are natural will want to strongly consider brown in their work environment. Brown also suggests a sense of order.

According to http://www.sensationalcolor.com, "Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic."

There are many emotions and personalities that go into the decision of what art is best for an office. No matter how small or large your budget, consider utilizing the expertise of an art consultant, who will help you to select the artwork that meets the culture of your office environment.

Art Rent and Lease provides tax-deductible short-term rentals and long-term leases to corporate, healthcare and hospitality clients in the US, specializing on placement with facility and building managers looking for artwork in their lobby, conference rooms and public spaces.

For information about renting or leasing art and a free consultation please visit our website at: http://www.artrentandlease.com/ or call us at (888) 440-9260 x710.

New Products and Techniques Eliminate or Greatly Reduce the Toxic Content of Art for Your Office

Is the art that is hanging in your workplace in alignment with corporate mission statement? Are you projecting an image to your employees and customers that you are a green environment? Is the artwork displayed in your office aligned with that statement?

New techniques and materials are available to artists to keep them safe and the earth that is often the subject of their work, clean as well. More frequently, graphic and print artists have moved over to the use of non-toxic electrolytic and electrochemical methods that do not require acids and safe etching and proofing techniques the substitute most harmful solvents and chemicals for etching, relief prints, monotypes and collages.

And even where non-toxic chemicals and solvents are necessary, training is available to artists in techniques which dramatically decrease the usage and danger of these materials.

Do you know if the artwork displayed in your workplace is "green"? An informed art consultant can work with you to find the artwork that meets the needs of your workplace tailored to your budget, taste and mission statement.

Our consultants are located in major cities in the US.  We provide short-term art rentals, longer term art leases, art for sale including paintings and sculpture....anything you need to beautify your space!  Visit our website at http://www.artrentandlease.com/ or call us at (888) 440-9260 x710 for a free consultation.

Offering New Sculpture - All Reclaimed Materials

Artist Barry Ferich of Ferric Creations has joined Art Rent and Lease in promoting his work to art collectors, art consultants, corporate, healthcare and hospitality clients for rent or sale.

Ferich's work is truly stunning, all made from reclaimed, rescued or recycled objects including aluminum and high voltage wires.  Pieces are available as shown as well as commissionable in other sizes and finishes as needed.

The Art Consulting, Rental, Sales and Leasing Gallery works with emerging and established artists in the US, promiting sustainable products and processes.  Visit us:  http://www.artrentandlease.com/ for more information on art rentals, art leasing and direct sales.