The Art of Art Collecting-Florida Regional Art in Focus

The Florida Regional Art in Focus Exhibit has closed. A great number of people viewed the art during the two weeks the collection was displayed at the Lake Eustis Institute. The staff reported glowing comments from the visitors praising the high quality of art work illustrating the diversity of the Florida landscape.

The exhibit ended with a catered dinner at Lake Receptions, in Mount Dora. David Glynn of Turkey Creek Auctions conducted the sale Friday night at the Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Art Auction. The event was well attended with all enjoying an evening of fine dining .

This group of artists was hand picked for their high level of expertise with reserve prices reflecting their standing as top professionals in the art world. The artist received 80% of the sale and 20% went to the Institute, a non-profit organization.

Alas, as so often happens with fund raising auctions of art there were few sales. People must have a vested interest in the artist, the specific painting, and/or a major interest in the "cause" the event is raising funds for in order to justify spending a large sum of money. Yes, they get a tax deduction, but that is not always the big incentive to buy art at one of these auctions.

The Lake Eustis Institute staff did a fine job of promoting and advertising this event. Each phase of the project was executed splendidly. So, what happened? The old saying is true "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". Having said that, if the horse has reasoning power you can explain to him how drinking will benefit him, giving him necessary information so he can make a wise choice.

That is the one consistent error I see with fund raising art auctions -- the lack of educating bidders on:
1. The value of collecting original art
2. The professional background of the individual artists;
Important collections that own that artists work
High end galleries that handle that artists work
Major shows the artist has been juried into and/or invited to exhibit in
3. Detailed information about the painting being auctioned;
Medium
When, where and why it was painted
What it means to the artist

The more information a person has the greater chance there will be a sale. Otherwise, it is like buying the Mystery Prize at a carnival---there are things in the brown paper bag but I don't know what is inside, if I will like it or if it is worth the amount of money I am paying for it?

If promoters of art auction fund raisers would put as much time and money into educating bidders about their cause (what the money will be spent on and why they should give support), the artists, and the art itself as they do on advertising and selling tickets to the event I am confident these auctions could be very successful.


Again, the staff at the Lake Eustis Institute did an outstanding job on this first event. All participants, both artists and those who attended, had a great time. I am sure the next fund raiser will be even better and more profitable.