Dave Taylor first began collecting art many years ago, when he worked as a service technician for Rabb Water Systems. He found an original impressionistic painting at a garage sale.

“That started my interest. It was a great painting. I realized then that I didn’t have to spend a lot of money for an original piece of art,” he said. “Good, original art that is affordable is out there.”

He and wife Joanne Kolbe like collecting art, antiques and jewelry. They also like coffee. The couple started Blue Lion Coffee House in Pierceton. Although they no longer own that establishment, Taylor still roasts coffee and offers it at his shop, Blue Pearl Antiques in Pierceton. The couple opened that shop seven years ago.

“I never know who is going to walk through my door,” said Taylor of his shop in downtown Pierecton. “Three million cars go down IN-13 each year and 10 million go by on U.S. 30. Pierceton is the antique mecca in Indiana.”

For Taylor, Pierceton has become a place to park his wares. He was raised just outside town in the country. His father was a plumber. The family didn’t have much money, but Taylor liked nice things even as a child.

“I have champagne taste on a beer budget,” he laughed. “I know others do too, which is why I make collecting original art easy. I like to encourage young collectors, helping them develop an eye for good art, know what to look for and help them amass a nice collection of original art.”

Taylor himself collects art from estate sales, garage sales, auctions and from individuals who find pieces in their attics. He is also a supporter of local artists and promotes these individuals as much as possible.

“I go to shows across the country and always bring local artists’ work to give them exposure to people who appreciate art. It’s nice for people to see what we have in Pierceton,” he said.

Taylor is on the board of the Lakeland Art Association, a member of the Kosciusko County Tourism Commission and vice president of the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s important to me to keep this town alive,” he said of Pierceton. “People bring their artwork in all the time and I tell them the truth about it as much as I know it. After so much time, you learn to recognize good art work.”