Art Rentals

The New York Times > Arts > Arts Special > Borrowings: Really Like That Painting? Why Not Take It Home!
How intriguing, (damn, intriguing is hard to spell) apparently several museums and galleries have programs where you can rent art. This works in a try before you buy way, or for special events. Oberlin College rents Renoirs and other pieces to students for only $5/semester, creating a camp out to get the best pieces. The article doesn't mention libraries, but I know the Baton Rouge library has an art loan program. I haven't tried it since we are on the verge of having to rotate our personal collection as it is (it's great being married to an artist and having many artist friends). I wonder if a well publicized rental program could help develop a communities overall art market. Helping timid first-time art buyers a chance to have a low risk experience with taking art into their homes.