ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Mary Longe is Both Artist and Author Whose New Book Offers Tips for Your Own Art Legacy in "Art Legacy Compass"

Ok, this might not be the first thing that comes to mind for most artists, however, have you ever considered what will happen to all your beautiful work if you were hit by a bus tomorrow?! Yikes, what a thought right? But that's exactly the reality all artists must face at some point in their life. It's one of those nitty-gritty facts none of us likes to consider, but it's kind of like buying life insurance or making out a Will. A necessity of life -- not pleasant to think about -- but a reality, nonetheless. That's where Mary's book comes to the rescue for artists and their families.

Her helpful book covers the following -- here's what she says:

"My book offers a new resource for artists to answer the question about their artwork and studios, “What happens to all of it?”

"It offers a practical and much-needed guide to organizing, documenting, and planning for the future of artwork and studio contents—serving not only artists, but also families, collectors, and professionals who support them.

"Art Legacy Compass includes Guidance for Managing, Downsizing, and Transitioning an Artist’s Studio and Estate introduces a clear, accessible framework for navigating what is often an overwhelming and unstructured process. Many artists spend decades creating a substantial body of work without a clear plan for how it will be managed, shared, or preserved over time. At the same time, families and advisors are frequently left without guidance on how to help.

"The book walks readers through a step-by-step process to:

- Inventory and document artwork  

- Organize studio materials and records  

- Clarify priorities for a body of work  

- Communicate intentions to family members, galleries, or institutions  

- Make informed decisions about preservation, sale, donation, or  destruction.

"Written in a straightforward and supportive tone, Art Legacy Compass is designed for working artists at any stage, and is equally valuable for family members, executors, collectors, and arts professionals involved in decisions about art work.

"As conversations around legacy, organization, and the future of creative work become increasingly important, this book provides a timely and empowering starting point—helping ensure that a lifetime of work is understood, accessible, and not left to chance."

Mary E. Longe studied Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art (London), is former Executive Director, Plein Air Painters Chicago, and a contributor to Plein Air Magazine and other art publications. She is an artist, painting plein air and in 2025 had a show of collages at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, Illinois.

Art Legacy Compass: Guidance for Managing, Downsizing, and Transitioning an Artist’s Studio and Estate is available: Barnes & Noble, Amazon or for Artist’s at a 25% Discount- IngramSpark