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「其實在商會裏，我們很多人都喜歡做教育大眾的工作。」香港古董及藝廊商會公關總監兼88 Gallery 總監及設計師的蔡俊邦（Adrian）說。
作為家具品牌「錦田」的第四代傳人，從小被藝術及古董包圍，他對藝術有自己的看法：「我跟這些可被收藏的作品一起生活，彼此間是有交流的。有些作品 (家具)並不只能用肉眼觀賞而已，你可能會坐上去，也會摸摸它。」Adrian 很重視自己跟藝術品之間的連結，深信藝術品除了金錢的價值，還有和觀賞者建立起情感上的價值。
雖然Adrian重視人跟藝術品之間的交流，但不代表每件作品都可以讓觀者隨意觸碰：「如果看到有小孩來到畫廊，我會向他們介紹古董，或者分享多點關於設計方面的事情。有時發生一些狀況，我也會向他們解釋為甚麼有些作品不能被坐或觸摸。但我的原意絕對不是要刻薄他們，而是希望能令他們甚至家長懂得如何欣賞藝術品。」雖然有時還是會遇上對藝術或古董產生誤解的人，但如果那些人表現出感興趣的話，Adrian 表示還是會努力開展對話，和大家開放地討論。
我們背景不同 但信念一致
能讓大家開放地交流討論藝術，需要的除了是足夠的空間，還需要有經驗的人士帶領。由不同背景的成員組成的商會，成為藝術和大眾間的橋樑。「其實我們都很希望讓大眾接觸更多，了解更多。而我們的成員來自不同背景，所以商會幾乎是把每個範疇都一併涉獵了。因此我們每個人都可以發揮所長，把自己擅長的東西介紹給大家。」香港古董及藝廊商會創會會員兼潔思園畫廊總監蕭安琪 （Angel）說。
商會的活動面向不同群體，不論行內或行外的人士都囊括其中。Angel 憶述一次晚宴活動：「我們邀請了各自的藏家朋友出席那次晚宴，再從各自的畫廊挑選一些作品於晚宴中展出。參加者可以在晚宴開始前遊覽一圈，看看有沒有感興趣的作品。例如有參加者對我的書畫感興趣，我就可以直接和他交流討論。」Angel 表示這類活動十分難得，因為不同藏家各有自己專業的領域。來到這個場合，藏家甚至搞手都可以一邊展現自己的專長，同時發掘另一個感興趣的領域。
除了行內人，商會亦會以較為「易入手」的方法向普羅大眾進行教育工作：「我們會舉行講座，針對不同題目如現代書畫，當代油畫及瓷器等。」Angel 表示這類型講座目的是為了令公眾接觸藝術，因此除了公開接受報名之餘亦不收費用：「希望讓對藝術有興趣，但平常沒有機會接觸到的人參與。」
Association acts as the bridge of face-to-face art education
“In fact, most of us in the assocation are happy to engage and educate the public in art.” said by Adrian Choi, director and designer of 88 Gallery.
As the fourth generation heir of the furniture brand “Kam Tin”, Choi has been immersed in art and antiques since his childhood. He has his own perspective on art, “Living with collectibles arises a special connection between the collectables and me. Some works (furniture) should not only be appreciated by the naked eye; but should be appreciated by sitting on it or touching it for feel.” Choi values the bond between him and the artworks; and he strongly believes that emotions of the consumer towards the artworks is more important than the value of the artworks.
Although Choi thinks highly of the interaction between people and artwork, it does not mean that every art piece can be touched by the viewers’ disposal. “If children come into the gallery, I would introduce antiques to them, or share a detail of designs. Then I would explain to them why some pieces should not be sat on or touched. It is not my intention to be caustic to them, instead I hope they, even their parents, can understand art in an appreciative way.” Choi said. Choi often encounter individuals who misunderstand antique and art; and that motivates him to open up and engage in conversation with them when they show interest in pieces.
Different backgrounds, same belief
Open discussion on art requires not only the space, but also knowledge from experience individuals. The association comprises of members from different backgrounds; and has become the bridge between the arts and the public. “We hope to create more opportunities for the public to appreciate art and to have more exposure to art. Grateful that we have different knowledge in art, so the association covers most art categories. Hence, we can fully develop our community by introducing our specialties to everyone.” said by Angel Siu, founding member of HKAAGA and director of Chelesa Art.
The association activities target at different audiences, including both insiders and outsiders of the art field. Siu recalled a dinner event, “We once hosted a dinner party and invited collectors and friends. To decorate the venue, we handpicked and exhibited some artworks from our galleries to create an art space where the guests were able to engage and appreciate the artworks prior to dinner. When a guest showed interest in my exhibit paintings, I was able to share my knowledge and engage him with an inspiring conversation.” Siu expressed that it is seldom to have cross art category events because art events are usually of a specific category to target the specific collector. In this special occasion, the collectors and the organizers are able to share their expertise with each other that may trigger themselves to have an interest in another field.
The association also educates the general public in a simple way. “We organize talks on different art topics and art categories, such as modern and contemporary calligraphy and painting or porcelain,” Siu said. These events cater to the public who have interest in art but are less likely to get exposure to it. These talks are mostly open to public, where we provide a platform and opportunities for individuals to appreciate art.