Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We invite you to premiere your latest and greatest at Artopia 2008: Top Hats and Tails This FAQ sheet should answer many of the questions you may have. Please read it carefully, as it provides detailed instructions on how to donate your artwork.
Q: Will I receive any money for the sale of my art?
A: Because this is a fundraiser for program services at Big Bend Cares, all art that is donated will be donated at 100%, with no proceeds going back to the artist(s). There will be cash awards for the top three Best in Show: $500, $300 and $100.
Q: What media sell well at Artopia?
A: More than $11,000 worth of painting, pottery, photography, sculpture, glasswork, pen and ink, and mixed media sold at Artopia 2007.
Q: What kinds of prices are Artopia bidders willing to pay?
A: Retail values of the pieces sold at Artopia 2006 ranged from $25 to $1,000. Generally, pieces with minimum starting bids of more than $100 enjoyed little bidding. The price range representing the largest percentage of sold pieces was $50 - $100.
Q: How many pieces may I donate?
A: Up to three (3) pieces per artist are permitted.
Q: Is Artopia 2008: Top Hats and Tails a juried event?
A: Yes, this event will again be juried. A group of curators, art critics, and other art professionals will choose approximately ten (10) pieces for the live auction component of the evening. In addition, cash prizes will be given to the top three "Best in Show" pieces.
Q: What are the categories for the live auction?
A: The judges typically select one piece from each of the following medium categories (if available): Photography, Glasswork, Pen & Ink, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Oil, and Other.
Q: What will the live auction entail?
A: An auctioneer will facilitate the live auction. Only the ten or so pieces will be featured. The live auction will take place around 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Q: How should I assign bidding ranges to my piece(s)?
A: On the Art Solicitation Form, assign a retail value (fair market value) according to what you normally sell your art for. Set the minimum acceptable bid at a lower price than the retail value: When bidding starts too near the retail price, people generally do not bid. The worst possible outcome for you and for us is if your art does not sell because buyers are apprehensive to bid on pieces with high minimums.
Q: Why is it necessary that a retail value for each piece be assigned on the Art Donation Solicitation Form?
A: By denoting the usual retail selling price (fair market value) of each piece, the buyer may claim the amount paid in excess of the fair market value as a tax deduction. If no value is assigned prior to bidding, the buyer will not know how much of their purchase is a tax deductible contribution.
Q: What portion of my donation is tax deductible?
A: Please see your tax advisor or www.irs.gov for details. Answers to general questions are on file at Big Bend Cares and can be requested from Melissa Walton at 656-2437, ext. 225 or by e-mail at mwalton@bigbendcares.org.
Q: Will a catalogue be available to bidders?
A: Yes. The sale catalogue will contain a short biography of each artist and a succinct description of each piece. Catalogues will be available at the door the night of the event.
Q: Must a description and bio accompany each piece of art?
A: Yes. As you know, well-described art sells better. People bid higher when they know something about you and your work. Keep in mind, however, that unless the bidder is an artist, a dealer, or collector, s/he is likely to be familiar with neither art language nor critical analysis. On the Artwork Description and Biography Form, please provide statements appropriate for a layperson. Your art will be better understood if you provide a simple description of what you made, why you made it, and what it represents. Keeping your bio to 3-4 major accomplishments allows the bidder to remember highlights of your career as s/he reads the sale catalogue. It also forces the auctioneer in the live auction (if your work is chosen "Best in Show") to relay a good snapshot of your accomplishments instead of selectively editing it for time.
Q: What happens to my artwork once I deliver it to Big Bend Cares?
A: Each piece will be assigned a tracking number upon receipt. A separate Art Donation Solicitation Form must accompany each piece of artwork. An Artwork Description and Biography Form must accompany the artwork. Collected art will remain in locked offices at Big Bend Cares until the time of transfer to The Moon.
Q: What dates will the art be accepted for deposit?
A: Big Bend Cares will accept your artwork from Thursday, May 1 through Thursday, June 12. If you would like your art to be displayed on the Web site, please submit a digital photograph.
Q: Will all of the pieces I donate be displayed?
A: Staff reserve the right to refuse art for any reason. Artopia has become such a popular event that the amount of art must be limited for space. Art that is not completely intact or that has not sold in previous Artopias will not be accepted. If your art meets these criteria, up to three (3) pieces per artist will be displayed.
Q: How may I obtain my complimentary ticket?
A: One complimentary ticket per art piece will be available at the Artopia 2008: Top Hats and Tails artist check-in desk.
Q: What happens to my artwork if it does not sell?
A: Artwork will be available for pick up the Monday after the event (June 30) at Big Bend Cares. Unsold art may not be picked up the night of Artopia. Each unsold piece that is not picked up by the artist within a reasonable period of time after the event (approximately one month), will become the property of Big Bend Cares, which retains the right to determine its disposal.
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