How to Plan an Art Auction

A well-executed art auction can be an entertaining and profitable event. Planning one can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right amount of forethought and organization, you may be surprised at how easily everything comes together.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Venue
• Artwork
• Caterer and bartender
• Volunteer staff
• Program
• Paddles
• Emcee

1. Select a venue for the art auction once you have settled on a date. It should be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the intended number of guests as well as a food station, coat check and registration table.
2. Contact local artists who would be willing to donate their work or sell it to you for less than market value. The art that you gather should be in good condition and appealing to a wide range of people.
3. Invent a theme that will draw a diverse crowd. The theme should amuse your guests and keep them engaged throughout the event, such as a casino night or “Gone with the Wind.” If the art auction is benefiting a nonprofit organization, tie the theme into something that the organization is recognized for.
4. Hire a caterer or ask around your community to see if someone would be willing to donate their services. If necessary, secure a licensed bartender that complies with state liquor laws.
5. Organize a team of volunteers to collect the artwork that you plan to auction off. They can also help distribute invitations, set up the space and coordinate outside vendors.
6. Create a program that lists all of the items, along with a brief description of each. You will also need to make or purchase the paddles that your guests will raise during the bidding process. A local stationary store should have all the materials you need.
7. Arrange for a lively emcee. This person should have previous experience with auctions and be able to build excitement around the items. The emcee should also be available to mingle with the guests ahead of time to gauge their interest in the art.
8. Assign specific tasks to your volunteers to be completed on the day of the auction. Depending on the size of the event, you will need people to register guests as they arrive, process payments once items have been purchased and responsibly transfer art to its new owners.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to have everything in place at least 2 hours before the start of the auction, just in case there is an unexpected problem that needs to be handled.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.