2009 Auctions

Auctions Auctions Auctions...an artist could donate every piece they ever made and still there'd be MORE AUCTIONS. Solicitors for auctions claim that the benefits to the donors include both their art in front of a large audience of collectors and their name briefly in lights. Sometimes artists can opt for a percentage of the selling price rather than a full donation. An artist could thank an institution for their part in contributing to the artist's education or for anything else the artist might feel in debt for. An artist could also donate with the hope of generating a buzz in the bidding community. Could a career be made out of a series of donations to glass auctions an no other form of marketing? Regardless, I hypothesize that there is a greater demand on glassblowers for auction donations than there is a demand to buy work outright. Could it be that more glassblowers donate pieces to auctions than receive benefits from the auction institutions themselves? On the other hand, does the increase in glass awareness of the general public that comes from these institutions presence in turn lead to a greater collector base...therefore making donations of art to their auctions another benefit to the artist? And what do collectors feel with all these auctions? Are they cutting back on their minutes and their texting to come up with the cash?

Here's what's still coming up...

Red Hot Gala and Auction
Tacoma Museum of Glass
September 12, 2009

"Our annual RED HOT gala features live and silent auctions of glass and glass-related experiences; a dazzling live Hot Shop show; fine cuisine and after-dinner entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Museum's education, exhibition, and Hot Shop programs and the care, study and exhibition of the permanent collection. Donate goods, sponsor a table, invite friends, and have a ball!

Become a part of RED HOT 2009. Are you a glass artist? Apply to become a participating artist in the exclusive RED HOT Auction.

Participating artists’ work is showcased to 300+ glass collectors and enthusiasts. An artist biography and donated work are also featured on our website, in email broadcasts to 8,000+ Museum supporters, and in the RED HOT catalog.

Download and submit our RED HOT Procurement Form to apply today!"

http://museumofglass.org/programs-and-events/red-hot-2009/

Glass Now Auction
National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia
October 3, 2009

"Thank you for your interest in submitting art to be included in the National Liberty Museum’s 10th Anniversary Glass Now Auction. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Museum’s anti-violence and character education outreach programs, drawing support from the glass art community, the primary art form featured in the Museum.

The National Liberty Museum is the only museum is the world that uses contemporary glass art for the purpose of celebrating freedom and defusing violence and hate. By incorporating glass art in exhibits on Civic Responsibility, Respect for Diversity, Peaceful Conflict Resolution and Heroism, we make the point that freedom is as fragile as glass and every citizen has the duty to protect it through his or her own actions. More than 450,000 students, families and visitors from across the country and around the world have visited the Museum since we opened our doors in 2000. We have been told that our message is changing lives, while creating a whole new generation of glass art enthusiasts.

When you donate artwork to the Museum's Glass Now Auction, you become a partner in our important mission. You also share your talent with over 500 seasoned and emerging collectors, plus many others who see our auction catalog in the months that follow."

http://www.libertymuseum.org/glass/glassauction.html

Pilchuck Glass School Auction
October 23, 2009
Seattle, WA

"Your donation is important to us! By donating your artwork to Pilchuck’s annual auction, you help ensure
compelling artistic and residency programs in our comprehensive facilities. With your support, we can offer
innovative classes and provide more than 75 scholarships each summer. Along with the satisfaction of knowing
that you are contributing to a great cause, you also receive:

EXPOSURE
• Your artwork will be seen and bid on by many of the world’s top art collectors and gallery owners.
• Your artwork and biography are reproduced in full-color in the auction catalog with a distribution of at least 1,200.
• The catalog will also be featured online at www.pilchuck.com.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY OF YOUR ARTWORK
• You will receive a complimentary professional digital image of your donated artwork.
• If you prefer to provide your own image for the catalog, please send a slide or electronic file with your procurement form.
Please note that we may not be able to use your photography if the resolution or background does not fit with our design
guidelines. Be sure to mark the correct orientation and credit the photographer.

AUCTION TICKETS
Artists donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork receive:
• Two tickets to Pilchuck Glass School’s annual auction on October 23, 2009.

Artists electing to receive a rebate on the sale of their artwork receive:
• 10% of the sale price of their artwork. (If the donated artwork is a collaboration, please clearly indicate to whom the check should be
written).
• One ticket to Pilchuck Glass School’s annual auction on October 23, 2009.
• The option to purchase a second ticket at a discounted rate of $85* ( The regular cost of each ticket is $250 per person)
*this offer limited to one discount ticket per donation."

http://www.pilchuck.com/

The 2009 Urban Glass Gala and Auction was held in April. The Pratt Fine Arts Auction was held in May. See, there's practically one per month...