A panel discussion named “Why Collect Art?” is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. at the Upstairs Artspace. The panel is designed to complement the new exhibit “Seeing Is Believing: The Collection of Ray Griffin and Thom Robinson” showing through Aug. 31. The Upstairs is fortunate to have Griffin and Robinson moderate the panel. They will be joined by several artists in their collection who are also in the exhibit.

Many people collect many things like teapots, books or fancy shoes. Buying fine art to build into a collection is a little more involved. For one thing, it is regarded as a hobby that’s too pricey for most pocketbooks. And how to collect — or what to do with all the art after we own it is a mystery.

Griffin and Robinson are down-to-earth individuals who love art, particularly regional contemporary art that includes outsider or folk art. They began their collection nine years ago after meeting in Asheville and forming a partnership. Today the collection is on display in their warm, cheerful home in Asheville. Though not an especially large house, the collectors always find room for the next acquisition.