What Is An Open Edition Print?
Open edition prints are works of art that may be endlessly reproduced. Two perfect examples that come to mind are Van Gogh's Starry Night and Picasso's Guernica. Posters, postcards and prints of these famous artworks can be found in museum gift shops the world over. They come in all shapes and sizes, and because there's no limit to the number of reproductions that can be made, an open edition print is priced substantially lower than a limited edition print.
Are "open edition" prints collectible?
Not particularly. Again, because there is no limit to how many can be produced there will always be one available on the market for you to purchase. An open edition print's primary function is to make an artwork accessible to the general public at a fraction of the cost of an original work of art. Open editions are meant to enhance your interior, adding a touch of style to your space or simply to reflect your taste in art; however, because of their unlimited availability, they will have little to no monetary upside, regardless of how long you hang on to them.
Where can I purchase "open edition" prints?
Given their non-exclusive nature, open edition prints are fairly easy to come by. They can be purchased online, in museums and other gift shops, second hand stores and also at large retailers. Typically, the cost for an open edition print will range anywhere from $50 - $200 dollars or more depending on the size of the print and whether or not the art is already framed and ready to hang.