Digital Marbling

Having had success with a donation of digital art of Ben’s Bells silent auction this past weekend, I’ve been thinking in general about the issue of donating art. I should preface this by saying these thoughts are based on experience, and I welcome other comments on this topic.

I don’t know if the biggest offenders are guilds, particularly quilt guilds, but I think some organizations just google their art specialty and then shoot out letters asking for donations. We used to donate to quilt guilds, since our particular art, marbled fabrics, was a natural fit. We got ONE thank-you letter from a guild, as well as thank-you’s from the people who had won the donations. This is over the last 14 years. We have asked for letters recognizing our donation, a copy of the program mentioning our donation – all to no avail. Needless to say, we don’t even respond any longer, and if we have missed some good organizations, well, that’s what happens.

This is NOT the way to engender good will and additional, continual donations. As artists we want recognition that people like our work. We want recognition that time, effort and money went in to creating the art.  We DON’T want a form letter asking for a donation. We DO want a letter for tax purposes, giving us the information concerning the event and purchaser/winner.

When I ran a nonprofit, I was constantly having to answer why we charged for services. We’re not out to make money for stockholders, but we DO have to pay bills; in our case we paid tutors a wage. I understand the need to raise money for a nonprofit. When we donate to a cause, it’s because we believe in it and want to help out. If I live in Arizona, chances are really strong I won’t respond favorably to a form letter from a guild somewhere in the country who only wants “cotton yardage as a prize,” as it just became evident that person never really looked at our site or our art.

All that aside, I will happily donate to organizations that I know, trust, respect, and care about. Whether it be time, money, or artwork, I’m there. And groups – treat your donors well, just like the people who have written you checks. That piece of art is money to the donor, enjoyment to the recipient, and good will all around.

Mission San Javier by S. L. Drury

Ben’s Bells, located here in Tucson, Arizona, is having a Silent Auction this Saturday, as part of Celebrate Kindness Day, April 24, from 2 – 8 PM. This nonprofit organization spreads kindness throughout this community, as well as many others: Hermosillo, Mexico, and New York City, to name a few. Ben’s Bells show up in unexpected places around the community, as well as through “gifting” of a bell to someone who has demonstrated kindness.

This digital rendering of Mission San Javier south of Tucson is part of the silent auction. Drury does digital renderings from actual photographs she has taken of places around the state. Her techniques with color and various adjustments and filters have had her work juried into shows around the country, most notably honorable mentions at Fish Follies at the Historical Museum in Cordova, Alaska.

Support a great cause and view some wonderful art, Saturday, April 24, 2 to 8 PM, 816 East University Boulevard in Tucson. Remember how much power you have each day to make the world a better place simply by being kind!

Some of our artwork for sale

We had an interesting time at the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Festival. For most of us, this was our first show. Our primary purpose this first time out was to learn about doing an outdoor show: what would we each need for inventory, what would placement be like, how much time would it take to make the artwork we needed, how would we display a variety of media, and how would we all physically hold up, just to name a few. Sales were an after-thought – not our main purpose this time around.

If you have never done a show, here’s a capsule look at what we learned.

1. We now know everyone’s artwork and medium really well. Knowing the pottery is dish-washer safe is a key selling point.

2. You need at least two people available with such a variety of media. We were very concerned about jewelry “walking away,” and we wanted to have someone available to talk to potential buyers.

3. Eventually you will have to invest in a tent, as there are very few vendors without one. We survived with an umbrella, which shaded us and or work, but if we continue to do this, invest in a tent.

Another selection of art

4. Have a banner for your art. We did a simple banner through VistaPrint that worked out very nicely. We did our own artwork, based on the digital work of one of our members. It gave a nice professional touch to our display.

5. Take a drive-by of the site and potential space before the show. Find out about parking, locations for restrooms, and potential space concerns you might have. We discovered we could have used additional tables.

6. Give some thought beforehand to the issue of change. We priced everything in round numbers so making change would be easy. We absorbed sales tax by building it into the price. Change was very easy.

7. If there are a group of you, each artist should have their own sales book (advice from our accountant and jewelry artist). This way you have a complete record of your own sales come monthly reporting to the state.

8. Sunscreen and water – even with the umbrella!

9. Walk around the show and talk to other vendors. Look at what they are using for displays and storage. Pick up business cards for future connections.

10. Have a sign-up sheet to develop your mailing list (snail and email). You will want to foster a following, and this is your start.

Above all, have a good time!

The Mixed Media Arts Tucson artists will be at the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Festival, Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7, 2010.

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Festival celebrates diversity and encourages greater understanding of cultural differences through the arts. Art and music touch the heart, inspire the imagination and draw people together. This two day festival of art, music, performance, food and arts activities certainly has something for everyone of all ages. Come support the arts!

Saturday, 9am-4pm
Sunday, 10am-4pm
FREE Admission to the Public
Pima Community College Northwest Campus
7600 N. Shannon Rd., Tucson