(Below is a letter we received from Elaine McMillen:)
A Request for Artists in support of Animals
The Humane Society of Harris County is hosting their annual “Puttin’ on the Dog” event at Callaway Gardens on March 6th. This is quite a show and it attracts over 400 people who all come ready to buy. They are asking for artwork for the silent auction but not all works need to be donated. Len Jagoda is on their Board and is the liaison responsible for getting artwork for this event and is asking for our support.
It is best that there be a pretty broad range - price wise, with prices going from $75 up to $1,000 (suggested maximum). While the HSHC would like the artwork to be donated, they recognize that getting higher quality work should not be entirely at the expense of the artists and that for many; art is how they make their living or at least a portion of it. Therefore, the artist may state an amount that they would require to receive should their piece sell.
Here are some suggested guidelines:
Lower priced pieces (say under $150) should be donated. Of course donations of higher priced pieces are greatly appreciated.
There is a lot of space, but it is not infinite and we would like to realize as much money as possible for the HSHC. (Keep in mind that much of the shelters properties were damaged by the tornado and we are building a new shelter. Currently all the animals are in an outdoor kennel.) Ideally we will want to get a larger number of less expensive pieces with the numbers gradually decreasing as the prices go up. This should occur naturally.
The artists should put a reasonable minimum price on their artwork whether donated or on a sharing basis. For artwork on “shared proceeds” the artist should state a minimum selling price and the amount that the artist requires. Any amount over that minimum would go to the HSHC. For example, the artist may state a minimum sale price of $250, and that they would receive $100 on the sale. Len recommends that you consider that galleries take a commission on artwork that they sell on the artist’s behalf and that commission can be as high as 50% in the better galleries. Keep in mind; no one wins if an item doesn’t sell. Donate what you can afford, it is a great cause and all of the proceeds goes to the benefit of the animals.
You need not travel to deliver the artwork. Arrangements will be made to pick up your art. For more information or to make arrangements for your artwork contact:
Elaine McMillen at 706-663-8787 or call 706-613-9654