The Kirkland Arts Center will hold an opening reception for its new Artists Collect exhibition from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6 in the KAC Gallery.

In a release, show organizers describe the exhibition: “Despite big flashy headlines about expensive sales of art and news about billionaire collectors and dealers, collecting art is not just for the very rich. There are a myriad of small collections in private homes, by individuals with different means, who do not collect for the investment but for how it touches their soul, what pleasure the piece brings: for their love of art. Among those smaller collectors are artists, whose collections may be seen as an expression of their aesthetics and of their intellectual exploration.

As makers, artists have a critical eye and learned knowledge. For many artists, their collection represents a deep perspective and understanding, not of its investment value, but of its place in the culture and world of art.

This show is an exploration of artists’ collections and how these pieces may inform or be informed by their personal aesthetics. By exhibiting selected pieces from each artist’s collection and shown side by side with their own work we can discover the dialog between the two and perhaps understand better the difference between collecting and acquiring art.”

The participating artists for the show are Betz Bernhard, Michael Dickter (curator), Carole d’Inverno, David French, and Kate Sweeney. Their work along with works from more than 20 other artists are included in the exhibition.

Free parking is available; drinks are $3 and light snacks will be served. The artists will be in attendance.

Visit kirklandartscenter.org/artists-collect for more information.

The Kirkland Arts Center is located at 620 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033.