[johnny]

It might seem easier for the user requesting art, but it wouldn't be. If I know forums, I know that the request board replies would be 75% people with skills that don't match the user's requirements (but the artists think they do), price offers that are too high for the user to pay, and people who lack any experience in selling art taking on jobs they can't handle.

The current system of artists selling and buyers going to them is actually fine as-is.

EDIT:

I do agree that there should be an art discussion forum (talking about techniques, materials, recent accomplishments, etc.) outside of the Borough, though. The Artists' Borough - whether it was meant to be this way or not - is not a discussion forum, it's a gallery. People show their recently finished works and portfolios, but it's not (currently) set up as a place where users can discuss art as a hobby.