Letter from the Publisher
Calling All Collectors
Most people collect for emotional reasons rather than monetary gain. They collect for the thrill of the hunt, and it can become a lifelong pursuit that somehow is never complete.
Collecting is a ubiquitous human activity, spanning all ages and societies. The categories are limitless, ranging from Picassos to Pez dispensers.
There is also a dark side of collecting, often referred to as the “collector’s disease,” that can border on hoarding. It can be an invasive sickness with worrisome symptoms that can become more severe as people age and achieve financial success.
This issue of Artful Living kicks off with outstanding coverage of collecting. David Mahoney’s “Objects of Desire” takes us inside the world of avid collectors and profiles several local one-of-kind assemblages.
Collectors fuel a powerful economic force and massive marketplace, including estate sales, pawn shops, eBay and auction houses such as Sotheby’s. On the topic of power and money, Alyssa Ford tells the little-known story of Philip Falcone’s rise from young Iron Range hockey star to controversial billionaire and part owner of the Minnesota Wild.
And don’t miss Ivy Gracie’s “Woman on Fire,” telling the remarkable story of Debbie Fallon’s discovery of a priceless treasure trove while traveling in Spain and her fascinating journey with no end in sight.
Our editors are freshly back from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City and bring you the hottest looks for spring.
Our top-shelf advertisers bring you this magazine, so please thank them with your patronage. And be sure to check out the very best properties available from Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty.
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Welcome to the autumn issue of Artful Living. Thanks for spending time with us. We are on the hunt to cover enthusiastic collectors in our upcoming issues, so if you have an outstanding collection, bring it on.