Twelve years ago, while on a family trip to Africa, I purchased three watercolor paintings of Masai tribesmen at a small gallery in Nairobi, Kenya. After some mild haggling, I got them for $75 each. My parents framed them and today they hang in the front foyer of my home. My fledgling art collection was born.

When I look at the paintings now I think about the incredibly resilient and beautiful people we met in Africa and how I have never seen another landscape that quite compares. I would love to go back one day but, in the meantime, am grateful to have artwork on my wall (and, occasionally, “Out of Africa” in the DVD player) to help conjure up memories of that special place.

Together with Peg Hardee and Torrey Stroud, owners of City Art Gallery in Greenville, I offer the following tips to other young art enthusiasts looking to collect art in a way that is smart and meaningful.

1. Buy what interests you. In the words of Canadian artist Christian Corbet, “When one buys some of my artwork, I hope it is because they will wish to learn from it and not because they think it will match their drapes.”

2. Visit galleries. As many as possible, wherever you are. Gallery staff can serve as helpful guides in your arts education. Ask questions. Join gallery mailing lists so you will be invited to openings and special events.

3. Meet and talk to the artist you are purchasing from whenever possible; get contact information (especially if buying direct from the artist); make sure the artist has signed the work. If meeting in person is not an option, request a biography, résumé and as much other information as possible about the artist.

4. Take care of it. Make sure your artwork is properly displayed and/or framed. Always use conservation glass and other protective materials.

5. Consider acquiring many works by the same artist over a period of time. This is called “buying in depth” and will make your collection focused.

6. Keep your eyes open for new ideas and creative inspiration when you travel. Outside influences will help shape your collection.

7. Read. Subscribe to art magazines like artsee (a new Raleigh-based publication for local artists, collectors and enthusiasts) and ARTnews (the oldest and most widely circulated art magazine in the world.)

8. Read more. Read books on art history and books about collecting art. Read reviews by local and national art critics. Keep an eye out for interesting art blogs. For example painter Mike Rooney's blog http://mikerooneystudios.blogspot.com/

9. Take it home. Many galleries will let you take artwork out on approval so you can live with the work in your own environment and decide if it's the right piece for you. Don't be afraid to ask.

10. Visit and join the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Greenville Museum of Art, the Pitt County Arts Council and other nonprofit arts organizations. Curators often give lectures on collecting art.

11. Consider working with a professional art advisor. He or she will guide you through the process of purchasing art and educate you on collecting in general. Many galleries offer this service at no charge. Again, just ask.

12. Enjoy the hunt!

Jaclyn W. Morgan is an associate at City Art Gallery and a marketing communications freelancer. A Raleigh native, Jaclyn graduated from N.C. State University in 2005 with a B.A. in Communications and minors in Art Studies and Journalism. Currently, her own photography makes up the bulk of her art collection but she is working on that.