कामे ओं इन एंड जम विथ उस

Paper Jam at the Neu

When Greg (my SO) recommended that I donate a print to the Neuberger Museum’s spring auction, I didn’t give it a second thought. I picked out one of my favorite new prints, scoured the stores for the nicest frame and sent it in. It wasn’t till later that I realized my work would be hanging on the same wall as a Judy Chicago, April Gornick and so many other talented and big name artists. I had second guessed my price point for the piece, putting in the estimated value a full $100 dollars under what I would prefer to sell it for. I had thought it best to price it low so that it went home with someone. I instantly regretted it, feeling as if I had crippled my work with my personal insecurity.
Strangely enough, it all worked out.
My piece not only went home with someone, it was bid on by several people. When I found out it not only caught the eye of people who frequented the art scene ( I won’t name drop ever on my blog unless it has to do with a sc/fi star) but ended bidding at the price I had originally intended for it, I started jumping up and down in the lobby like a cartoon bunny. What a beautiful feeling of accomplishment! Just the shot in the arm I needed during the month of open call deadlines.
Not only did my art sell, I was actually paid to work the door (i.e., check out all the spiffy fashions the guests wore) and run bids back and forth during the live auction. Plus, can you say chocolate covered strawberries? I felt like Kaylee at the Shindig on Persephone, minus the layer cake she was wearing. Sure, I had to pilfer them from the abandoned tables post auction, but who could resist their siren call?
In summation: Wooooowhooooooo! Best Saturday yet.
But really, the most important part of the night was knowing that the person who picked up my work did it because they really wanted it. It wasn’t an investment, because I’m an unknown. The collector actually liked it, maybe loved it. And that makes me all weepy with happiness.