The whole thrust of modern art, as far as I understand it, is expanding the role of the artist as a kind of esthetician, someone who actually spends his time, is trained in a way to deal with qualities.
A broker's referral can be a good starting point. But even if you're time-pinched, you'll want to call references.
You need to go to city council and see if there are any new businesses on the way, get crime statistics from the police department and look into the school system, ... In other words, find out what the future holds for this area.