October/November 2026| maconmagazine.com 87
in nooks and on walls. This platform is where he
allows observers to see how art and collectors are
connected. He believes it enhances how buyers view
the works and lends itself to investing in pieces.
"I really like inviting people into my home, not just
as a guest, but to also have them see not only how art
works in a gallery, but how it can work in someone's
home," he says.
Cohen started collecting 10 years, with a
multimedia mix of different themes and materials that
he compares with a window display. Interestingly,
peeping through storefront displays as a child is
where the Macon native's love of coordinating art
began.
Like the Redd family, Cohen believes that collecting
is about investing in pieces that evoke good feelings.
His playbook begins with looking at the artist's
portfolio.
"Sometimes when collecting, if there's an artist
you really love, look at their preliminary work," he said
before dropping a famous name. "The early work
shows you the artist's early stages."
Not getting hung up on collecting traditional
forms of art is important, too, says Cohen. His dolls
from China and Italy, along with things like toys and
furniture, are examples of nontraditional pieces.
Buying art just because it's expensive is also a no-no,
he says. He invests in a piece because he likes it.
"Look at the price point," before adding that new
collectors need to follow their gut. "Instead of having
BELOW Cohen
shows off a
piece from his
collection.
ABOVE A gallery
wall shows the
wide-ranging
nature of
Cohen's art taste.
RIGHT
Midcentury
modern design
is a particular
interest for
Cohen.
