Artists in Their Communities

Gift certificate wording

Artist Geri Dunn was stunned when someone purchased a gift certificate of hers at a silent auction and then wanted to either 1) redeem it for cash or 2) commission an original drawing for the amount on the certificate ($150). People really do ask/demand the darndest things!

Let’s look at the situation and start with the gift certificate itself, pictured here.

The small lettering on the bottom row consists of these three components.

The artist’s contact information–phone and email. The certificate number, expiration date (12/31/2010), and the words “Not redeemable for cash.” Having an expiration date is important! And the “not redeemable” phrase proved key when the recipient tried to cash it in. Geri was able to point to this language and quickly put an end to that discussion. The words “No Cash Value” could also be used or added. A place for the authorized signature (presumably the artist’s or the organization that auctioned [...]

Sunday (October 25) is International Artist Day

October 25 has been declared International Artist Day by a group of artists who thought wisely that artists needed their own special day. Not coincidentally, it’s also Picasso’s birthday. Is it on your calendar? How will you celebrate? [...]

Letter for responding to donation requests

Post the charities you support on your website and have a letter ready for when you are asked to donate your art. Artist Alicia Leeke shares her standard letter in this post. [...]

Artist Salons: 6 elements for a thriving group, part 2

The final three elements you need for a thriving artist salon are Location, Regularity, and Conversation. Check out this post for details and guidelines for all three (and a link to the first three). [...]

Artist Salons: 6 elements for a thriving group, part 1

Any artist can start a group, but how can you ensure it will thrive? How can you make it worth the members’ time? There are 6 elements for a thriving artist salon. I give you the first three in this post: Organizer, Vision, and Members. [...]

Art Marketing Action: Organize a Marketing Salon

Connections are critical for everyone’s art career. Being around other artists can build your confidence, support you emotionally, and challenge you to do better work. Start an art-marketing salon and become an instant leader in your art community. +Podcast [...]

Podcast: Contribute your talents to a good cause

There comes a time when your passion for a cause is so deep that you would regret not using your talents to help out. Listen to the podcast to get ideas on how to contribute your talents to raise money for the cause closest to your heart.

Note: More details became available about the exhibit mentioned in the podcast after this was recorded. Click on STAGES below for an update.

Art Marketing Action newsletter (a written version of this podcast)

I’d Rather Be in the Studio! (my book, pages 219-222)

Donate Your Art Prudently

STAGES (Exhibit mentioned in podcast)

Set boundaries on your donations (blog: Leeds, UK)

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Instructions for subscribing to the Art Marketing Action podcast on iTunes.

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Contribute your talents to a good cause

Art has found its way into the Tour de France. Depending on your definition of art, it may have always been there (Fans’ costumes! Crop sculptures! Handmade signs and banners!). But now Lance Armstrong, in his first Tour in four years, has teamed up with Nike to enlist the talents of 30 of the world’s foremost contemporary artists for an exhibit entitled STAGES, which opened in Paris last week.

As far as I can tell, the exhibit consists of a few Trek bikes that were decorated by the artists. (Yes, this recalls visions of Cow Parade and its infinite clones–artists working with the surface of an existing form.) Other works were created specifically for the show.

After its Paris debut, STAGES travels to New York, Los Angeles, and Portland. The artists’ works will be sold with proceeds benefiting Armstrong’s foundation to fight cancer. You can’t argue that the artists are making a contribution.

I’ve written [...]

Podcast: Ask for sponsorship

Interested in having a sponsor for your art opening or event? Listen to learn about specific steps to take when presenting sponsorship opportunities to people and businesses that want to be in front of your audience.

Art Marketing Action newsletter (a written version of this podcast)

Best of the Art Marketing Action Podcasts (3 CD set)

Cultivate Collectors (online class begins July 8)

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Instructions for subscribing to the Art Marketing Action podcast on iTunes.

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From the Vault: Donating your art

This is the weekly feature where I group things together for you and highlight the best of the Art Biz Blog, the Art Marketing Action newsletter, and my products. Today, it’s about donating your art. [...]