During the global pandemic of 2020 many of us were forced to stay and work from home. We at Associated Artists of Pittsburgh found that our community began to really take in the experience of living and working around the artwork in their homes. Whether it be just one painting purchased at a coffee shop a few years ago, or a collection amassed over many years, the joy of living with original artwork began to manifest for many.

During the month of June 2020, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh worked with Stacy Weiss, of Weisshouse, to curate an online store featuring the works of our members. The store is designed to promote our member’s work and celebrate the joys of living with original artwork and supporting artists.

Our Content and Creations Coordinator, Jamie Earnest, spoke briefly with Stacy about the value she sees in collecting and living with artwork. Read the Q&A below.

JE: How did you begin collecting art?"

SW: I was very lucky as my parents had a love of art so my interest and consequently my collecting started a t a very young age. My father actually took me to an associated artist exhibit when I was 8. I bought a very colorful Lori Hornel painting called “the Phoenix. “. I look around at my art and some of it I bought over 40 years ago.

JE: As the owner of Weisshouse, how do you go about curating your store vs. curating your own space & collection?

SW: Basically in both places I buy what I love. At the store pieces of art , furniture, rugs and accessories are always coming and going. At home there is not as much space but I have managed to fill my walls. At this stage if I buy something I have to eliminate. My art and sculptures are like old friends, so I don’t really part with them.

JE: How do you go about curating for others? (i.e. customers or friends)

SW: Curating for others can take many shapes. We create the interiors, and love to stage with accessories and art from the store when we come and deliver the furniture . I tell clients that there are many layers and to make a house feel homey you need to add art and accessories.

JE: As trends are often coming and going within art and interior design, how has your collection changed over the years?

SW: Funny enough, my furniture and my collection has not changed much over the years. What I loved 29 years ago I usually feel the same today. With each place I live though, I add and eliminate, but many of my pieces still remain. If they don’t, ultimately pieces of art and furniture will go to one of my kids, so still stays in the family.

JE: What advice would you give to someone who wishes to start collecting, especially amid the current times?

SW: Buy what you love and don’t be afraid to mix it up. I have pieces of Not Vital , Christo, and Kusama placed beside the cut and paste Burt from Sesame Street that my nephew did when he was 5. Things shouldn’t be too precious.

Stacy Weiss is the current president and owner of Weisshouse, a retail home furnishings store on Pittsburgh’s Highland Avenue that specializes in high-end flooring, furniture, and kitchens.

Weiss attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in psychology and women’s studies. She is a founder of the Blatant Image Gallery (now Silver Eye gallery). In 1997, she and her family received the Western Pennsylvania Family Business of the Year Award given by the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business.

Stacy Weiss is on the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh’s Advisory Board. Her father, Jack Weiss, was a longtime artist member, as well as a member of the Advisory Board. Stacy Weiss also works long term with Women for Women International and was recently elected to the Carnegie Museum of Art Women’s Committee. She and her business support over 80 local and national charities each year.

Collecting and Valuing the Artwork of Local Artists: Q&A with Stacy Weiss of Weisshouse