Fundraisers and FREE Art Inventory Documents for Artists
Back in June when I had a booth at the Summer Art Market organized by the Art Student’s League of Denver, a gentleman approached me about participating in an art fundraiser for PFLAG in Denver. He showed me an empty shadow box and said that I could do whatever I wanted to it if I participated in the auction…well of course, as long as I gave it back to them resembling some kind of art work that is. I sort of have a thing for empty boxes, and he just purchased some ceramic work from me, so I said, “Yes!” I’m debating whether or not to attend the event, but would really like to see the walls lined with different interpretations of the shadow box.
I had forgotten about it, until right before I went on vacation, when I received a phone call, “When would be a good time to drop off the shadow box?” A little moment of panic set in and I said, “sooner rather than later, when is the due date?” Eegads, it’s next week and I haven’t started working on it. It’s not for lack of thinking about the project, however, these ideas don’t just come to me from out of the blue. They have to gestate and be revised over and over. I finally have a mixed media solution that I’ve devised for the shadow box which I hope to share with you within the next week. I also reviewed the paper work the other night, and was pleasantly surprised to see that PFLAG is giving artists the option to keep 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork – first time I’ve seen that.
I’ve also agreed to make some work for another fund raiser scheduled on September 23rd – The Josh and Gus Run for a Cause which benefits Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, a cousin to SIDS. There is an accompanying 5K run at Clement Park in Littleton that I might just run myself.
As you may or may not remember, I am training for a 1/2 marathon with Denver Fit again this year – which is just about killing me. I think I must need to prove that I can still do this. That, and the company that my husband works for just signed a 5 year contract to sponsor the event. My husband is on the health and wellness committee at ING and I think he wants me to run in his stead since he has bum knees, or so he tells me….
Meanwhile, I just listened to a podcast with Art Biz Coach, Alyson Stanfield, interviewing artist Harriet Estel Berman yesterday morning. Ms. Berman has generously developed a series of downloadable forms for artists to use including inventory records, a generic gallery consignment agreement and more. The inventory records form is in a spread sheet format so that you can print your records periodically and keep a dynamic list on your computer. Visit the Society of North American Goldsmiths to access the downloadable art forms or click on the link above to listen to the hour long podcast. Seriously people, this is good stuff – no need to use your valable time fiddling with Excel, Word or Adobe when Harriet has already done the hard work for you!
Mary Timme
August 8, 2007 at 10:12 pm //
Wow! What a lot of great information. I’m going to get some on PDF format and work with it later, but good “stuff” C.
Shawn McCann
August 9, 2007 at 12:52 am //
Thanks Cynthia for all the great information. I’ll have to check out the podcast myself. Good luck with the shadow box!
Janvangogh
August 9, 2007 at 3:01 am //
The shadow box for the fundraiser is an interesting idea. Nice that you get a percentage.
HMBT
August 9, 2007 at 11:14 am //
Hey you! Thanks for the great information, I am going to take advantage of those forms for sure (after spending hours developing my own…aaiiee!)
I love empty boxes too…I would have totally said yes too. The shared profits thing is picking up speed as an accepted norm all over the country, and smart non-profits are leading the way. It sure helps to get great donations, when you offer to share the proceeds with the artists…so it’s win/win for everyone. I can’t wait till it’s the all over the nation, normal way of doing business. I for one would donate more often (I would be able to afford too that is) if it were.
Cynthia
August 9, 2007 at 11:34 am //
It is good information, Mary! There’s even an exhibition form for people who need to keep track of their work if it’s shown heavily.
The podcast is a little long, Shawn, but it’s worth listening to some of the tips and also how to use the information.
I haven’t decided whether or yet to keep the percentage, Janet and Heather – I’m still deciding. I like that they’re giving me the option though.
It’s good to see you again, Heather!
Angela
August 9, 2007 at 5:30 pm //
How kewl is that! Wonderful information! Thanks for sharing that! *HUGS*
Chi
August 10, 2007 at 1:54 am //
Cynthia, I can’t wait to see what you’re doing to the shadow box. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be creative and beautiful. Happy running! When is your race?
Cynthia
August 10, 2007 at 2:12 pm //
You’re welcome, Angela
Me too, Chi! I have a vision in my mind, so hopefully, the outcome will match. The race is October 15th – still time to get lots of miles in.