You've probably seen the cartoons in which a man in some state of unhappiness is shown holding a sign that reads, "Will [fill in the blank] for Food." We began to talk about how we should stand on the street corner holding a sign that reads, "Will Paint for Food," because we're painters. We extended the idea and began to wonder if it would be possible for us -- or any artist -- to barter art for other things, such as travel or time in a vacation home. Would it be possible to advertise for patrons who could, without necessarily giving us cash, enable us to travel to beautiful places to paint?

And so Art for Patronage began. It's a way for collectors and artists to meet and benefit mutually without having to use cash as a middleman.

A quick word about Art for Patronage. It doesn't cost much to post a listing, and the money is just enough to cover our time. It is with nothing but benevolence that we have created this site. (And, of course, because we like to travel and make art, too!) You will probably discover the site could use some enhancements, and believe us, we have plans for them! It just may take us time to get there. In the meantime, feel free to send suggestions to info@artforpatronage.com.

Art for Patronage makes no guarantees and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this site. Information contained in the listings has not been verified. It is the collector's part to exercise due diligence when communicating with the artists. All images are the property of and are copyrighted by their respective artists.

Art for Patronage was founded by artist Michael Chesley Johnson (www.MichaelChesleyJohnson.com, www.FriarsBayGallery.com)