This has been brewing in my cranium for a few years so it's had time to settle, collect, and perhaps ferment. Art benefit fundraisers often ask artists themselves to donate their work for the purpose of auctioning off the work to patrons. Sounds great but the issue most overlooked is why are artists the ones asked to donate their work, especially in Pittsburgh where it's known that few artists make a living based on their "non-commercial" art? I've spoken with gallery owners and artists over the past year on this subject and there exists a lot of questions.
Why is the artist leaned on to donate their work free of charge? Sure a lot of artists donate without looking critically at the larger picture due to their good natures and possibly think it's good exposure down the line. My biggest issue is why lean on artists given the inherent financial disadvantage most Pittsburgh artists experience. One prominent gallery owner I spoke with simply suggested the organizations should stick to events like private dinners and events which do not require artists to donate their work for auctions. There are a finite amount of art purchases in the region and the reality is that the significant art auction fundraisers take away from purchases which benefit the artists financially. The one exception I've noticed was Fe Gallery which had an option for the artist to retain a percentage. It gives the artist the option to choose. One could argue they have the option of just not participating at all but i think that to be an overly simplistic argument given the factors.
Then there is the exposure factor, meaning artists may not receive money but the exposure they receive helps them down the line. Tough to argue given the sheer amount of art at these auctions and the lack of probability further contact will be made.
Artists are generically known for giving more than they can necessarily "afford". Perhaps it's time to think why they are so often leaned upon? I think most will agree artists do a tremendous amount for their communities in their personal and job related activities. Do they really have to give their art away too?
Something to think about...
Another issue I'd like to blog about down the road is the degree to which businesses and other entities hit up artists to display their work for free based on consignment (if they actually sell). This is a practice artists themselves need to resist contributing to given the reality of the art world.
Rick Byerly
If you're looking for more info on Pittsburgh artists and how to support them check here.
Cheers
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The Pittsburgh Art Blog
pittsburgh galleries is reborn anew as The Pittsburgh Art Blog. the blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20, 2007.pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh art advocate rick byerly, www.RickByerly.com.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Artist Art Auction Fundraiser Catch 22
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Hot Pink Cancer Benefit Butler Pa Art Center Oct 19 2008
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Hot Pink Exhibit - Rescheduled: October 19 - October 31 2008
For pictures and information about previous events at The Art Center, please go to and subscribe to http://www.myspace.com/butlerartcenter
Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and the PghGalleries.com website, can sign up there. Thanks! Rick Byerly
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Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/ Pittsburgh art gallery directory: http://www.pghgalleries.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
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Saturday, August 23, 2008
Our Lady of the Angels Parish Benefit Auction
Our Lady of the Angels Parish is having its annual benefit auction at St. Mary Upper Lyceum, 340 46th Street, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201 on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. The event begins at 9 a.m., with an 8 a.m. preview. There is something for everyone: furniture, antiques, collectibles, dishes, jewelry, books, artwork, linens, church pews, religious items, toys, and more! Breakfast sweets, homemade lunch, snacks and beverages will be for sale during the auction. Call 412-682-0929 or visit www.olapgh.org.
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Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and websites, can sign up there. Banner design included. Thanks! Rick Byerly
...
Pittsburgh art events: www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/ Pittsburgh art gallery directory: http://www.pghgalleries.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
check out
http://www.PghGalleries.com
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pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Silver Eye Benefit Auction 2008 Exhibit April 25 Auction May 10 Pittsburgh Art Photography
Silver Eye Exhibition of Auction Photographs. The exhibit runs from April 25 to May 9, 2008 and the auction is Saturday May 10, 2008 starting at 10 a.m.
Silver Eye Center for Photography 1015 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA on the South Side 15203 Telephone: 412.431.1810 Regular Gallery Hours: Wednesday, Noon – 6:00 p.m.Thursday, Noon – 8:00 p.m.Friday, Noon – 6:00 p.m.Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Or by appointment.
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Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and websites, can sign up there. Banner design included. Thanks! Rick Byerly
...
Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
Monday, April 14, 2008
Pittsburgh Artist Charles Smith II and Celebrate Life Celebrate Art Persad Auction May 12, 2008
ONE NIGHT ONLY! 20th Annual "Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art" Auction on Monday, May 12, 2008 at The Carnegie Museum of Art 4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and websites, can sign up there. Banner design included. Thanks! Rick Byerly CMOA Link
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Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
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Saturday, April 12, 2008
Barack Obama Art Auction Fundraiser Pittsburgh,PA Green Building Gallery Sunday April 20, 2008
Barack Obama Art Auction Fundraiser Sunday April 20, 2008 at the Green Building Gallery (a temporary art space/gallery), 5515 Penn Ave near Negley Ave (Garfield, East Liberty) Between Babyland and the Glass Center.
Silent auction begins at 2pm. Bid on fine art until 9pm. Raffle for artwork.
Evening entertainment: Music by Jazz Inc
Artwork by: Thad Mosley, Tina Brewer, John Sokol, June Seale, George Gist,Mary Martin, Bob LaBobgah, Jorge Myers, Laura Jean McLaughlin, Bob Ziller, Christine Bethea, James Shipman, Jill Larson, Peter Lambert, Amir Rashidd, Emory Biko, David Grim, Tommy Bones, Bill Pfahl and more...
A $10 donation is requested at the door.
The Green Building Gallery (a temporary art space/gallery) 5515 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh (Garfield), PA 15206, near Negley Ave (Garfield, East Liberty) Between Babyland and the Glass Center. Phone 412-606-1220
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Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and websites, can sign up there. Banner design included. Thanks! Rick Byerly
...
Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
check out
http://www.PghGalleries.com
sponsored by:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15213,15232,15224,15219,15222,15212,15201,15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[what:pittsburgh,pgh,burgh,art,gallery,galleries,show,pittsburgh gallery,pittsburgh galleries,pittsburgh art,photography,arts,scene,event,events,shows,exhibit,exhibits] [where:pittsburgh,shadyside,fox chapel,sewickley,mt lebanon,lawrenceville,garfield,east end,oakland,friendship,squirrel hill,east liberty,bellevue,downtown,cultural district,bloomfield,point breeze,schenley farms,north oakland][category:galleries,arts and entertainment,public spaces,theaters,shopping,services,art,gallery,events]
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Silver Eye Center for Photography Auction, Pittsburgh Art Events March April 2008
Currently in the New Works Gallery until April 12 you will find Michele A. Smith of Pittsburgh, PA and Marilyn Waligore of Richardson, TX. One of Marilyn's arresting images is posted above. I checked out the work at the reception and enjoyed all the work. In the main gallery you have until April 12, 2008 to check out David Graham's In Search of America. Don't miss out on viewing the print which is from a 1983 Army Navy Game!
http://www.silvereye.org/exhibitions.htm
http://www.marilynwaligore.com/
Also Silver Eye's upcoming auction and other events:Upcoming Exhibitions in the Main Gallery
Benefit Auction April 23 – May 9, 2008, Live Auction: May 10, 2008 This major fundraising event will include over 100 Lots of original prints donated by noted photographers and galleries from throughout the country. Works of celebrated photographers — Esther Bubley, Edward S. Curtis, Lewis Hine, Laura McPhee, Duane Michals, Rosamond Purcell, W. Eugene Smith, and Ben Shan will be included in this Benefit Auction 2008.
Alternative Focus May 23 – June 14, 2008
This exhibition features pinhole photographs by Jesseca Ferguson of Boston, Massachusetts and Tom Persinger of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ferguson assembles images and tableaux photographs of interior compositions and Persinger captures the outdoors with lengthy exposures that present a continuity of moments.
250 Years of Plants: Botanical Works by Regional Photographers June 25 – September 13, 2008Eighteen photographers from Western Pennsylvania will exhibit new images that focus on the natural worlds of this region. The work represents a collective visual gift to the city of Pittsburgh's 250th birthday celebration.
>>>
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Post from Rick Byerly
Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
check out
http://www.PghGalleries.com
sponsored by:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15213,15232,15224,15219,15222,15212,15201]
[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[what:pittsburgh,art,gallery,galleries,show,pittsburgh gallery,pittsburgh galleries,pittsburgh art,photography,arts,scene,event,events,shows] [where:pittsburgh,shadyside,fox chapel,sewickley,mt lebanon,lawrenceville,garfield,east end,oakland] [category:galleries,arts and entertainment]
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Benefit at Space Gallery: Bomb. Be One More Believer. Friday April 4, 2008, 6pm to 12pm
Bomb. Be One More Believer, Friday April 4, 2008, 6pm to 12pm at Space Gallery.
A night of art and entertainment to celebrate young Iraqi boy’s road to recovery and raise money and awareness for non-profit medical-relief organization.
To pay tribute to Abdul and No More Victims, the theme of the night is “BOMB—Be One More Believer”. Local artists have been asked to donate a piece of artwork that takes the negative image of a bomb and transforms it into something beautiful and promising. The art pieces will be on sale throughout the night; all proceeds to benefit NMV.
Young professionals have joined local design team, Studio-220 http://www.studio-220.com/bomb/ , to spearhead a city-wide initiative to benefit the children of Iraq. Over the past two years, local press have followed the touching story of young Iraqi boy, Abdul Hakeem, who was severely injured when an American air-raid hit his home in Fallujah. In 2005, NMV learned of Abdul and began reaching out to local philanthropists and hospitals to fund his much needed medical support. In 2006, Abdul was brought to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to receive a prosthetic eye and reconstructive face surgery. He is now back in Pittsburgh to complete the final stage of his treatment.
To pay tribute to Abdul and No More Victims, the theme of the night is “BOMB—Be One More Believer”. Local artists have been asked to donate a piece of artwork that takes the negative image of a bomb and transforms it into something beautiful and promising. The art pieces will be on sale throughout the night; all proceeds to benefit NMV. In this way, the group hopes to relay NMV’s message while raising money for this inspiring organization. The gala will also feature numerous bands to be announced, a visit by Abdul Hakeem, and a key note address by NMV Founder, Cole Miller.
more info about NMV here: http://nomorevictims.org/
The mission of SPACE is to realize a working example of an integrated and open art ecosystem in Pittsburgh. SPACE values the creation of new works in multi-disciplines, presentation of artwork to the broadest possible audience, inclusion of established and contemporary technologies and the promotion of local artists outside of the region.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-6pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-8pm
SPACE
812 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 phone 412.325.7723 fax 412.325.7725
>>>
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Post from Rick Byerly
Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
check out
http://www.PghGalleries.com
sponsored by:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15213,15232,15224,15219,15222,15212,15201]
[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[what:pittsburgh,art,gallery,galleries,show,pittsburgh gallery,pittsburgh galleries,pittsburgh art,photography,arts,scene,event,events,shows] [where:pittsburgh,shadyside,fox chapel,sewickley,mt lebanon,lawrenceville,garfield,east end,oakland] [category:galleries,arts and entertainment]
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Box Heart Gallery Parkinson's Benefit Sat March 1 2008 Pittsburgh Bloomfield Art Auction
BRINGING HOPE TO LIFE a benefit for those living with Parkinson's disease, SATURDAY, MARCH 1st, 2008 @ Box Heart Gallery
2 pm - 8 pm SILENT ART AUCTION View art work by regional and national artists in the media categories of: Painting, Photography, Works on paper, Ceramics, Jewelry, and Sculpture. View the Items! http://www.boxheart.org/Parkinson_pages/event.html
7 pm - 11 pm WINE RECEPTION WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy the sounds of acoustic musician Stephen Christopher and accordionist Stephen Pellegrino while mingling with the artists and learning about The Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania.
Box Heart Gallery is located at 4523 Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, Pittsburgh's "Little Italy." For more information contact Nicole @ 412.687.8858
The benefit is free and open to the public.
The Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, formerly the Parkinson Chapter of Greater Pittsburgh, was founded in 1995 with the mission to provide support and education for those living with Parkinson disease and fund medical research to discover and cause and the cure. It is the primary provider in our region of non-medical services to individuals with Parkinson disease, their families, and caregivers. Among the programs and services the Foundation provides exercise and wellness programs, education, information, referral, and support.
http://www.parkinsonpittsburgh.org/
....
check out http://www.pghgalleries.com
sponsored by:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15213,15232,15224,15219,15222,15212,15201]
[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[what:pittsburgh,art,gallery,galleries,show,pittsburgh gallery,pittsburgh
galleries,pittsburgh art,photography,] [where:pittsburgh,shadyside,fox chapel,sewickley,mt lebanon,lawrenceville]
[category:galleries,arts and entertainment]
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Creative Treehouse Bellevue Invisible Children Art and Music Benefit Show March 9 2008
March 9th - Invisible Children Art and Music Benefit
Creative TreeHouse will be hosting an Art and Music Benefit for Invisible Children on Sunday March 9th. The evening will include live music, food, Invisible Children Sunday screening, and art show. The cost is $10 cover and all artwork, hand made good, and Invisible Children goods will be on sale for $10. So for $20 you can enjoy an evening of music, food, get a piece of art and support an amazing cause that benefits children in Uganda. Current sponsors for the night include Creative TreeHouse, Your Moms, Giant Eagle, Flavorville Cafe, One Campaign, Invisible Children, and more to come.
For latest information and other Invisible Children events taking place in Pittsburgh please visit www.creativetreehousepgh.com/IC.
What: Invisible Children Art and Music Benefit Show
Date: Sunday March 9thth @ 6:00pm to 11:00 PM
6 pm - art show, food, live music by DJ OCTEEL
7 pm- - Invisible Children Sunday documentary8:30 pm – live music starts
Venue: Creative TreeHouseAddress: 517 Lincoln Ave (2nd Floor) Bellevue, PA 15202
Price: $10 cover. suggested $10 for all art work, hand made goods, and Invisible Children goods. All artwork valued at over $10.
BYOB!
Contact: info@creativetreehousepgh.com - http://www.creativetreehousepgh.com/
...
check out http://www.pghgalleries.com
sponsored by:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15213,15232,15224,15219,15222,15212,15201]
[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[what:pittsburgh,art,gallery,galleries,show,pittsburgh gallery,pittsburgh
galleries,pittsburgh art,photography,] [where:pittsburgh,shadyside,fox chapel,sewickley,mt lebanon,lawrenceville]
[category:galleries,arts and entertainment]
Sunday, September 2, 2007
5151 penn ave gallery Studio Art Sale to benefit Persad Center
check out
Please come by the gallery next Friday, Spetember 7th from 7pm-10pm as
we host our neighbors across the street, the Persad Center for a studio
art sale. Persad Center is behind the big yearly event "Celebrate Art,
Celebrate Life", aka "Art for AIDS".
We'll have a variety of art in the gallery by regionally and nationally
recognized artists including photography, sculpture, jewelry, painting,
and mixed media.
All proceeds benefit Persad Center's Free Care Fund which provides more
than $350,000 each year in free and subsidized services - allowing
people of all economic means to get the treatment they need and the care
they deserve.
There will also be a closing brunch with a DJ on Saturday September 22nd
from 10am-4pm, but you'll wanna make sure you get here way before then
to make sure you get the pieces you want.
As always, more info at http://5151penn.com/persad/
:: STUDIO ART SALE TO BENEFIT PERSAD CENTER ::
Choose from a variety of artwork by regionally and nationally recognized artists including photography, sculpture, jewelry, painting, and mixed media. Select a unique gift of art for yourself or someone special. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and door prizes.
All proceeds benefit Persad Center's Free Care Fund which provides more than $350,000 each year in free and subsidized services - allowing people of all economic means to get the treatment they need and the care they deserve. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express will be accepted.
The sale runs through Saturday, Sept 22. For more information about this sale or Persad, visit http://www.persadcenter.org/ or call 412.441.9786, ext. 224.
September 7 - September 22, 2007
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, September 7, 7pm-10pm
CLOSING BRUNCH W/DJ: Saturday, September 22, 10am-4pm
Other viewings by appointment.
Resources:
Persad Website: http://www.persadcenter.org/
Donors:
pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com
[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[where:Pittsburgh]