Art Donations

Art and auctions featuring some art and other items are hot property right now! I myself have worked on our elementary school auction for many years. I am being asked for art 30+ times a year (or more) and although I know every cause is a good one and unique-you can see the dilemma I face. But the reality is I have to stop donating to every auction that I am asked. To make things easier - I am going to set some guidelines. Please read them before you ask me for work.

- All auctions have to be artwork only to get an original oil. An original piece of art is very different from a free dinner or tickets to a play and auctions like this tend to bring in lower bids for original art. I do have prints and things that I can give for these type auctions. They are not framed. Auctions that include items in addition to art will not get any piece that is valued over $150. I have not found silent auctions to be successful with higher priced items. Silent Auctions are not the best place for original artwork. It is the nature of the silent auction for people to get deals and the starting bid should be at least half the retail value.

- Auctions that have a live auction may possibly get a larger piece but a minimum bid will have to be agreed upon and it will be no less than half the retail value.

- And lastly, please send me something in writing and don’t ask me while I am running through the grocery store or busy thinking of something else.

- For the larger events, please ask me every other year. I am going to only consider donating this way since I am being asked so much.

- Please understand that I am an artist but also a Mom, as well. I am donating art, time and countless other things to my own child’s school and after this year will focus on that, and not every school auction. I wish all schools the very best but having a load of friends all over it can almost feel like I am at every school auction in town.

I don’t do commission artwork for auctions.

Auctions are a great way for charities, schools, etc., to make money but it costs money to make art. Just the supplies alone are expensive. Also- it needs to be noted that artists are not able to deduct the retail cost of their artwork, but really can only take of their taxes the supplies they used for the single painting. What happens often, is it is not noted as a donation at all because it is so complicated.

I’ll accept solicitations for events after Summer 2010. Email is best. For the year of 2009 through Summer 2010 I am at my limit with donating. Some, but not all, of the causes are below:

William Fox Elementary School
Mary Munford Elementary School
St Catherine’s School
St Christopher’s School
Cystic Fibrosis Association
New Community School
Scan of Richmond
Richmond Historical Society
Bon Air Elementary
Massey Cancer Center
Visual Arts Center
Patrick Henry Charter School