From Collectors to Entrepreneurs, Based on the Love of Thomas Blackshear’s Artwork

Dec. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Ripon, CA – Following a dream should not be the only criteria for starting a business. But, people who find the opportunity to work at something that they are passionate about have the best of both worlds when it comes to launching a trade. The same was true for Larraine Covington, who for the love of Thomas Blackshear’s collection began Collector Hub, the premier online community for collectors and enthusiasts of Blackshear's art.

A collector at heart, Covington recalls with deep appreciation the inspiration that started Collector Hub. “The Blackshear collection of works that first got my attention was his world famous Ebony Visions™ Collection. It created a whole new way of looking at African-Americans in art.”

“The reason we decided to build a collector's community for Thomas Blackshear enthusiasts like myself is because we could not find the product information about this most beloved artist and his magnificent works on the Internet.  So in 2001 we built the first and only online community where collectors could shop for Thomas Blackshear’s artwork, gather vital information from a trusted source, and become inspired as they interact with a family of collectors who share common interests.”

Collector Hub quickly became the essential web site for Blackshear enthusiasts.  The online community provides a place where collectors can obtain the latest product news, including insightful product reviews, and learn about retirements, special events and artist appearances. At CollectorHub.com, collectors can participate in discussion forums, clubs and email, photo albums, games, trivia, polls, greeting cards, a classified marketplace, monthly contests and drawings for the opportunity to win treasured Blackshear collectibles, all free of charge.

Due to overwhelming collector request in 2001, Collector Hub opened an online store and today they offer products from twelve of Thomas Blackshear's collections.

Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions™ work is one of the most collected of any artist specializing in African-American art. His attention to detail is evident in the life-like depictions of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama figurines. These limited-edition treasures are available at CollectorHub.com. A tribute to history, these works of art will no doubt be a great investment as their value increases on the secondary market once they have been sold out.

“One of the driving forces that make Mr. Blackshear’s art so attractive to collectors is its constantly escalating value on the secondary market,” reports Covington. “The Storyteller, one of the most sought-after pieces of all time from the Ebony Visions™ collection, has been sold out since 1996. It originally sold for $410 in 1995, and is currently trading on the secondary market for up to $5000."

Also in stock and ready for shipment are the Three Wise Men, two of which were just added to the Nativity Collection this year. A five-year series, The Ebony Visions™ Nativity will grace any mantel or table setting as it brings the Gospel to life this Christmas season. Angels and ornaments for the Christmas tree and loads of stocking stuffers are all available at CollectorHub.com.

Collector Hub Interactive Catalog
To keep this community of collectors updated and well connected to Thomas Blackshear, Covington is offering for the first time an online interactive catalog. This means all products in the catalog are linked to the Collector Hub online store. With the interactive catalog customers have a quick reference point that makes it easy to find the products for which they are searching. Covington explains, “A simple click of the mouse on any product image will take you directly to the Collector Hub web site. Here you will find a complete product description along with a shopping cart option for fast check out.”

About Thomas Blackshear
Winner of the coveted International Collectible Artist award, Thomas Blackshear’s work has won him worldwide recognition as one of the hottest contemporary collectible artists in the world. His Black Heritage works premiered at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. He has also been featured on The 700 Club, Ebony/Jet Showcase, and in The Saturday Evening Post. In addition to his designs for the USPS, Blackshear has created works for Disney, Coca-Cola, National Geographic, and Universal Studios, just to name a few.

About Collector Hub
Established in 2001, as the premier gathering place for collectors and enthusiasts of Thomas Blackshear’s artwork, the online community was formerly known as Blackshear Online. Our name has changed but our mission remains the same. We continue to be the most comprehensive Thomas Blackshear community by providing the essential link collectors need to interact and share ideas and information and conveniently and confidently purchase Thomas Blackshear products online. Visit our web site at www.CollectorHub.com or call us at (209) 599-8599.  Don’ t forget to download our holiday interactive catalog.

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The internet's pre-eminent gathering place for fans and collectors of, internationally acclaimed African-American artist, Thomas Blackshear.