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
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Unicorn Mountain Fundraiser Friday Sept 18 2009 7pm Remedy
U N I C O R N M O U N T A I N and P I C N I C !
Present
A Prelude to the October 2009 Release of
T H E B L A C K F O R E S T
Unicorn Mountain's Third Anthology of Art, Comics and Folktales
From Western Pennsylvania and Beyond
T H E E S O T E R I C O R D ER O F T H E I L L U S T R I O U S OWL_B E A R
Friday September 18, 2009 at Remedy (2nd floor), 5121 Butler St in Lawrenceville
Bavarian Supper Club 7pm
Art Auction 7pm-11pm
Music&Dance 10pm+ ($5 suggested donation)
Dinner reservations required for Bavarian Supper Club: 412-781-6771
More details soon to follow..
Facebook Event Link
Art above by the very talented Masha Vereshchenko!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Persad Red Tag Sale @ Imagebox Sat Sept 19 6-9 pm
Persad Center's Red Tag Sale @ Imagebox Saturday September 19, 6-9 pm
From the flyer I received in the mail:
Join us for a special studio sale of selected works of art by regional and national artists. All proceeds benefit Persad Center, the nation's second oldest licensed counseling center specifically created to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
On Saturday, September 19th from 6-9 pm at Imagebox Gallery, 4933 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Garfield)
Hosted by Dan Iddings and Persad Center
RSVP: diddings(AT)comcast.net
Special thanks to John Mahood and Imagebox Gallery.
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Concept Art Gallery presents MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN AUCTION
The Pittsburgh Galleries blog is a volunteer effort from Rick Byerly to promote Pittsburgh art events which feature artists from the area. The PghGalleries.com website effort is an up-to-date directory with Pittsburgh area art venues. Thanks go to Sirani Gallery of 5875 Forbes Ave in Squirrel Hill for being a sponsor and David L. Edwards Art and Anonymous for their donations to this effort. Donation and sponsor info can be found here. Rick Byerly, Uniquetake Photography
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Concept Art Gallery presents a
MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN AUCTION
The Auction will start with a notable collection of Contemporary Artwork by Regional Artists contributed by the Duquesne Light Company to benefit the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.
Also featuring property from the Estate of Elizabeth T. Wilson, the Estate of Gertrude T. Half, the Estate of Charles Franklin, Selections from the personal Collection of Garthe Massingill and property from numerous regional collectors.
Auction items link
NEXT SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 2009
beginning at 10am
Lots can be viewed on
Sunday, May 3 (12-4pm), Tuesday, May 5 (10am-5:30pm), Wednesday, May 6 (10am-5pm),
Thursday, May 7 (10am-8pm) and Friday, May 8 (10am-5pm) at the gallery.
If you are unable to visit in person, please view the auction catalogue at http://www.conceptgallery.com/
For information and questions regarding the catalogue or participating in the
auction, please email us at info(AT)conceptgallery.com.
Concept Art Gallery—
Celebrating Fine Art for 36 Years!
Fine Art Auctions Archival Framing Appraisals Art Advisory Services
1031 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 http://www.conceptgallery.com/
voice: 412. 242. 9200 fax: 412. 242. 7443
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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Monday, February 23, 2009
Élan Fine Art Gallery 427 Broad Street Sewickley PA 15143
The Pittsburgh Galleries blog is a volunteer effort from Rick Byerly to promote Pittsburgh art events which feature artists from the area. The PghGalleries.com website effort is an up-to-date directory with Pittsburgh area art venues. Thanks go to Sirani Gallery of 5875 Forbes Ave in Squirrel Hill for being a sponsor and David L. Edwards Art and Anonymous for their donations to this effort. Donation and sponsor info can be found here. Rick Byerly, Uniquetake Photography
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Silent Auction: 9 am to 4 pm
Cash or check preferred
Featuring 20 artists and 100 pieces of art to bid on!
An eclectic mix of media, genres, sizes and pricing.
Monthly: Every last Saturday. New Artists every month!
427 Broad Street, Sewickley, PA 15143
Featured Artists
Marjorie Arnett
Clare Ascani
Jesse Best
Doug Brown
Tim Fabian
Holly Gessler
Mike Hegedus
Scott Hunter
Mara Light
Brett Mason
Crystal Marshall
Ashley Moore
Gail Murray
Maria Papalina
Boyd Payne
Joyce Werwie Perry
Edward C. Powell
Erik Schutzman
Moshe Sherman
Diane Stetzer
and Ron Thurston
Élan Fine Art Gallery 427 Broad Street Sewickley PA 15143
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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Friday, January 30, 2009
The Cara Gasper Memorial Art Auction
The Pittsburgh Galleries blog is a volunteer effort from Rick Byerly to promote Pittsburgh art events which feature artists from the area. The PghGalleries.com website effort is an up-to-date directory with Pittsburgh area art venues. Thanks go to Sirani Gallery of 5875 Forbes Ave in Squirrel Hill for being a sponsor and David L. Edwards Art and Anonymous for their donations to this effort. Donation and sponsor info can be found here. Rick Byerly, Uniquetake Photography
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The Cara Gasper Memorial Art Auction Proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh Saturday, February 28, 2009 6 PM - 11 PM Zombo Gallery - 4900 Hatfield Street - Lawrenceville (15201)
Gallery phone 412-904-3703
Items to be auctioned include pen/ink drawings by Cara Gasper, handmade dolls by Annie Vicar Dolls & Skellery and other artwork and crafts donated by local artists.
The format is a silent auction but items will also have "Buy Now" prices for cash & carry. Buy Now will end at 9 PM; silent auction on remaining items will close at 10 PM. We ask that auction winners be prepared to take home their items that night.Zombo will DJ and will also be the bartender for the evening (please tip well!). Booze will be provided but if you'd like to donate snacks or desserts, please feel free to bring them.
Cash and/or small product donations for the ARL will also be accepted that night.
Event contact person: Sandy Stuhlfire, starfirebusiness(AT)verizon.net, 412-215-6317
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
...
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/ , http://www.planetyellowstone.com/, http://www.buypittsburghart.com/
check out
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administered by:
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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.
...
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/
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Silver Eye Auction of Fine Art Photographs On view now through Friday!
Silver Eye Auction of Fine Art Photographs On view now through Friday!
Live Auction: Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. Advance reservations strongly recommended. Admission $35.00. Call 412-431-1810, ext. 11 or click here to send an email.
Absentee Bids are due by Friday at noon. If you can't make it to the live auction, submit an online absentee bid instead. There's no entrance fee for absentee bids.
Last chance for a look in person: Silver Eye is open Wednesday: Noon - 6:00 p.m., Thursday: Noon - 8:00 p.m. and exceptionally this Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Silver Eye's major fundraising event includes 134 Lots of original prints donated by photographers and galleries from around the world. Auction held on the premises of Silver Eye on May 10. $35 Admission includes Bid Number; Refreshments from Starbucks South Side and The Enrico Biscotti Company served during the auction; Post-auction lunch voucher at Mantini’s Woodfired Restaurant.
Works of celebrated photographers — Esther Bubley, Edward S. Curtis, Charles “Teenie” Harris, Lewis Hine, Mary Ellen Mark, Laura McPhee, Duane Michals, Rosamond Purcell, W. Eugene Smith, and Ben Shahn among many others are included in this exhibition. Proceeds from the live auction on Saturday, May 10 will benefit Silver Eye, a non-profit gallery for everyone interested in photography.
Click here to view the online auction catalogue.
Silver Eye Center for Photography 1015 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-431-1810 www.silvereye.org
...
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
...
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Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/
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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.
...
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
...
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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
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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]
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]