08 Tyler Hardy: Building a Personal and Purposeful Art Collection

ArtClvb
Apr 27
6 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Artist featured in image: Kaleigh Blevins

Photographs and Interview by ArtClvb

Meet Tyler Hardy, a multifaceted creative and affordable housing developer based in Detroit. Since returning to the city in 2016, she’s been steadily deepening her connection to the art world—not just as a collector, but as a supporter of artists. What started with music posters, Pokemon cards and collectible items has evolved into a thoughtful, ever-growing collection shaped by storytelling, intentional curation, and personal relationships with artists.

In this conversation, Tyler shares how her journey into collecting began, what guides her choices today, and why being part of the art ecosystem means more than just acquiring work—it’s about connection, community, and contributing in meaningful ways.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you're from and what you do?

I’m Tyler. I live in Detroit, and have been here since I moved back from Miami in 2016. I wear multiple hats– Right now, I’m working as an affordable housing developer, but have a few side projects that I’m pursuing in the art space. I’m really passionate about collecting– even more so lately.

How did you first get interested in art collecting?

I’ve always had some sort of art on my walls… or collectors items; comic books, pocket watches, Pokemon cards. It definitely started with music posters though. I remember collecting magazines when I was younger just for the posters inside. Then I started thrifting vintage posters. I think art collecting was a natural progression of that novelty and my love for being surrounded by imagery. It’s a means of self expression. I think that’s what really peaks my interest.

Artist featured in image: Unknown

Do you consider yourself more of a collector, supporter, or enthusiast—or all of the above?

All of the above, really. But an art enthusiast more than anything. Because I love art in all forms– Music, theater, fashion, literature. Artists speak through their craft, and that really resonates for me.

Do you remember the first piece of art you ever bought? What drew you to it?

I bought my first piece of original artwork in 2019 when I traveled to Melbourne Australia. I was really drawn to some of the aboriginal art that I’d seen while I was there and visited a gallery. I ended up buying a dot painting. Something about the patterns drew me to it. And the shade of blue that the artist used. When I learned that the piece I was looking at was a version of a map, I had to have it.

How has your taste or approach to collecting evolved since then?

I think my taste is really evolving, and the more I get into it, the better my eye gets. I’ve also really grown to value hearing from or at least doing more research on the artists themselves. That’s probably one of the biggest things that has changed for me especially as my collection grows. Like aside from the finished product, what’s the person behind the painting's story? There’s so much art out there, liking the person behind it definitely helps funnel your options.

How do you discover new artists or works—online, at galleries, art fairs, or studio visits?

How important is it for you to meet artists or visit their studios before acquiring a piece?

All of the above. I love museums. I really enjoy shows and exhibits most, that’s my speed. I tend to browse Artsy, 1xRun, Instagram, or ArtClvb online. You can always find something good at Signal Return too. I have Rashaun Rucker and Tylonn Sawyer lino prints from Signal Return which were crazy finds and very affordable considering the artists.

I’ve been more and more into studio visits lately. And in cases where the artist doesn’t live in Detroit, I chat with artists on Instagram and through email, sometimes text. I’ve had artists give me virtual tours on Facetime or send videos of their studio space and available work.

Are there any themes, mediums, or artist communities you're particularly drawn to?

It changes. I used to exclusively buy abstract art, and if you look at my collection now, you wouldn’t believe it. Now I look up and all my art is staring at me (lol). My next piece will be large and abstract, to balance it out a bit.

I love mixed media collage work most though. I’ve grown more and more fond of ceramics, and am really looking to expand into more fiber as well.

What role does emotional connection vs. investment value play in your collecting decisions?

It has been a mix of both. At a certain price point, I’d buy it because I like it, but in realizing how much my taste evolves year after year, I’ve been leading less with emotion and more with an intentional eye. It’s been more of an investment.

Artists featured in image (Left to right, top to bottom): Robert Moore, Rashaun Rucker, Tylonn Sawyer

Do you collect with a long-term vision or more intuitively?

Nowadays it is more long term. I’ve started thinking more and more about whether I’ll still admire it 10 and 20 years from now. I curate intuitively. I’m mindful of colors and how the art compliments my space; I also consider feelings the art might evoke and the room it’s in.

Have you had the chance to build personal relationships with any of the artists you collect?

Yes, a few. I have artists that send me their work for feedback, or keep me up to date on upcoming pieces in their collection. To me, that’s one of the cooler parts of being a collector.

How do you see your role as a collector in shaping or supporting the art ecosystem?

As a collector there is always a piece you want to buy but it all gets expensive and you obviously can’t buy everything. So I try to be mindful of that and support art and artists I like in other ways. When I’m not buying, I’m engaging with content online or reposting. I think it’s our job as collectors to add more than just monetary value to the ecosystem. Especially in the social media era where engagement matters.

Do you actively share your collection (digitally or in person) with others? Why or why not?

I haven’t always been the biggest user of social media, but I’ve been using it more lately, especially to share art. I end up having a lot of conversations with artists and other collectors. Or just having artists share their latest work. So that part of it has been cool.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting an art collection?

Where should they start?

Any insider advice?

Paying it forward with advice from a pretty established Detroit collector. “Buy what you love. Don’t lead with trying to estimate future value”. It almost feels easy to think about art collecting like stocks– trying to gauge art and artists that might multiply in value later. But there is plenty of amazing art out there that doesn’t make it to galleries. Of course you want your pieces to retain and increase in value, but I always resort back to one question: If it lost its value tomorrow, would I still love the art?

Artists featured in image (Left to right, top to bottom): Kaleigh Blevins, Oshun Williams, Brandon Deener, Mia Lee

Fun Q’s

Favorite artist or piece in your collection right now?

That’s tough, I have so many favorites. My favorite artist in my collection right now is Brandon Deener out of LA. I have an original by him but this Malcom X, James Baldwin, MLK triptych by him might be my favorite piece on my walls. A close second is a piece I have by Oshun Williams. I fell in love with it instantly.

Dream piece or artist you'd love to collect one day?

My list grows every day. I’m really hoping to collect a few fiber pieces; Kandy G. Lopez is a dream piece for sure. Akea Brionne too.

I’m also really loving Joshua Rainer and Khari Turner right now.

& I absolutely have to own a large Brandon Deener piece. His large pieces are pricey, but one day for sure. That’s really the dream. Gonna go ahead and manifest that now.

One word to describe your collecting style?

Evolving

If your collection had a soundtrack, what would be on it?

Kaytranada, Solange, Kendrick, Dom Kennedy, Lauryn Hill, The Internet, Dear Silas. Very vibey. It would be a curated mix of neo soul, west coast hip hop, old school r&b, and probably some sort of house music; FKJ vibes.

Who was the last artist that you purchased work from?

Sheefy McFly