Why do people collect art?

Is it the pursuit of beauty? A way to connect to history?

Or, to quote one passionate collector, is it simply a "genetic defect?"

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder Alice Walton, Memphis philanthropist Pitt Hyde and former NBA player/Grizzlies minority owner Elliott Perry shared their passion for art collecting at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on Wednesday, March 8 during a nearly hour-long conversation that was stimulating, often humorous and very personal.

Following an introduction by Brooks Executive Director Emily Ballew Neff that set the stage for the night’s discussion, the audience had the opportunity to learn what fueled these collectors’ interest in art and what continues to drive their enchantment for what has become a calling for each. The audience also had an opportunity to see images of some of the art in each panelist’s collection, including this piece in Kimberly and Elliot Perry's collection by Kevin Beasley.

Kevin Beasley, Untitled (Panel 6), 2016, Resin, acoustic foam, wood, house dresses, Collection of Kimberly and Elliot Perry, Photo: Jean Vong, Courtesy the artist and Casey Kaplan, New York.

If you didn't get a chance to be at the Brooks for the conversation you can still be part of this signature centennial event by watching it below: