I think merchandising art makes it accessible to a much wider audience,
but should in no way be substituted for experiencing the real thing.
Seeing an image on a poster, mug, t-shirt or tote bag might place the
image where people who are unlikely to go to museums will see it.  This
might strike their interest and then encourage a desire to visit the
museum and see the actual work.  In that sense, I feel merchandising is
positive.

Deborah Bain

Lisa Holmes wrote:

> Question:
>
> Should art work be merchandised? In your opinion do gift items such as
> posters, mugs, tee shirts and tote bags made from art images diminish
> the art or enhance it's status?
>
> Lisa Holmes
> Support art on the web!
> World Arts Association
> http://www.artspeak.com/indexa.html
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