Online Art Solicitation Form (PDF, 1.9MB)
Non-Art In-kind Donation Form (PDF, 1.8MB)
(Online Submission Recommended)

Artist Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I receive any money for the sale of my art?
A: Because this is a fundraising event for Big Bend Cares, 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of all donated art go to Big Bend Cares; however, cash prizes-$500, $300 and $100-are awarded for the top three Best-in-Show pieces. Most artists donate their artwork because it makes them feel good to give back to the community, and it brings added exposure to their work.

Q: What type of art can I donate to Artopia 2011?
A: Big Bend Cares accepts all forms of artwork and media. Past Artopia events have featured oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, pottery, photography, sculpture, glasswork, pen and ink, jewelry, woodwork, and mixed media, just to name a few!

Q: How many art pieces may I donate?
A: Up to three (3) pieces per artist are permitted. You will receive a complimentary Artopia 2011 ticket for each artwork donation. Submit your art information online! (Recommended).

Q: Is Artopia 2011 a juried art event?
A: Yes, this event will be juried. Before the Artopia 2011 event, a group of art professionals gather at the Big Bend Cares office to judge and select the pieces for the live auction component of the evening. The art jury also selects the top three Best-in-Show pieces, in which cash prizes are awarded ($500, $300, and $100). All Best-in-show pieces are sold during the live auction.

Q. What is the People's Choice Award?
A. When you check in at Artopia 2011, you will be given a ticket to use to vote for your favorite piece of artwork. When you find your favorite piece, write the art number on the back of the ticket and drop it in the People's Choice Award ballot container. When the voting time ends, the tickets are counted and the People's Choice Award is announced and an award presented to the artist for the piece garnering the most votes.

Q: Why is it necessary that I provide a retail value for each piece on the Art Donation Solicitation Form?
A: By providing 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 donation counts as 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.

Q: Must a description and artist biography accompany each piece of art?
A: Well-described art sells better. People bid higher when they know something about you and your work. Please provide an easy-to-read description on the Artopia 2011 Art Donation Solicitation Form. Your art will be better appreciated if you provide a simple description of what you made, why you made it, and what it represents.

Keeping your artist biographical information to three or four major accomplishments allows the bidder to remember highlights of your career while reading the Artopia 2011 catalog or bid sheet next to the art piece. It also helps the auctioneer in the live auction (if your work is chosen as a live-auction piece) to describe your accomplishments.

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. An Art Donation Solicitation Form must accompany each piece of artwork. Collected art will remain in locked offices at Big Bend Cares until the time of transfer to the Turnbull Conference Center at Florida State University.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting art?
A: To ensure eligibility for cash prizes and inclusion in the Artopia 2011 catalog, your artwork must be delivered to Big Bend Cares by June 10th. Donations will still be accepted after that date; however, you will have missed the judging event and your information will not appear in the catalog.

Q: Can I obtain a complimentary ticket?
A: Yes. You get one free ticket for each art piece (up to three pieces); the ticket(s) will be available at the Artopia 2011 artist check-in desk.

If you still have any questions, please call Big Bend Cares at 850-656-AIDS (2437), or email Perry Snead at psnead@bigbendcares.org.