The Artist Art Auction Fundraiser Catch 22

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.

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.

Pittsburgh Artist Charles Smith II and Celebrate Life Celebrate Art Persad Auction May 12, 2008

Charles Smith II, who lives and creates art in Pittsburgh, is a well known artist whose work I personally appreciate and enjoy seeing around town. He has artwork at Breathe Yoga on the South Side until April 28, 2008. Breathe Yoga's website is here and they are located on 1113 East Carson Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, Pa , 15203. Charles' website is www.artistcharlessmith.com . For ten years he has donated work to the "Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art" charity and he has a work in PERSAD’s 2008 Art Auction event on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland. More details can be found here at Persad and a direct link to purchase tickets is here .

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

5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Private Preview & Cocktails for Patron Ticket Holders only

6:00 - 11:00 p.m. General Admission
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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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Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/
Pittsburgh art gallery directory: http://www.pghgalleries.com/
Photography from rick byerly: http://www.uniquetake.com/ and http://www.rickbyerly.com/

check out
http://www.PghGalleries.com

sponsored by:

pittsburgh galleries is a project from
pittsburgh photographer rick byerly, http://www.uniquetake.com

5151 penn ave gallery Studio Art Sale to benefit Persad Center

check out

http://www.pghgalleries.com

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

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[where:15203,15233,15208,15220,15217,15215,15238]
[where:Pittsburgh]