What is the Benefit Art Auction?
Bemis Center's Benefit Art Auction is Omaha's premier celebration of contemporary art. Attracting 1,500 of the region's established business leaders, emerging professionals, artists, and other movers and shakers, this exhibition and event provide a unique platform for artists and raise critical funds to ensure Bemis's free, year-round exhibitions, educational public programs, LOW END performances, and international residency program.
Approximately 300 works will be selected for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition, which is on view to the public from October 11-25 with free admission. Artwork is available to purchase at Buy it Now prices from October 1-25 (online and in-person). The Auction begins at 5:30 PM CT on October 25, with mobile bidding available, allowing patrons to place bids and purchase work from anywhere in the world!
What does the Benefit Art Auction support?
Proceeds from the Benefit Art Auction support participating artists and are invested in Bemis Center programs including exhibitions, LOW END performances, public education programs, and engagement with our international residency program. Participating artists receive up to 50% commission on the sale of their work and inclusion in the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition.
You can support the artists and Bemis by purchasing a ticket for the event on October 25, becoming a member or sponsor to receive Benefit-related perks, donating, and purchasing or bidding on Auction artwork!
Where is Bemis Center located? Is there parking available?
Bemis Center is located at 724 South 12th Street between Leavenworth and Jones Street, in the heart of the Old Market. During the Benefit Art Auction, this block will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities. Consider leaving your wheels at home and taking a rideshare or taxi for the grooviest experience!
Valet: Ticket holders have access to complimentary valet parking from 5:15 to 11 PM; drop-off is heading eastward on Jones Street between 12th and 11th Street. Valet spaces are limited and first come, first served.
Rideshare: For Uber, Lyft, or taxi, we suggest navigating to 1208 Jones St, a building at the end of the block, as your drop-off and pickup point to avoid road closures.
Public Parking: Park Omaha offers several nearby options, including the 10th & Jackson Garage. Please note that parking is no longer available in the lot directly to the north of Bemis Center due to the construction of a public park.
How will bidding take place this year?
Bidding will take place online through the GiveSmart virtual bidding platform, on Friday, October 25, 5:30-9:15 PM CT. You may access the site via a desktop or mobile device; you do not need to download an app.
Heider Family Foundation Gallery 1 - Bidding closes at 7:45 PM CT
Millwork Commons Gallery 2 - Bidding closes at 8:15 PM CT
Kelsey + Tony Noecker Gallery 3 - Bidding closes at 8:45 PM CT
Omaha Steaks Gallery 4 - Bidding closes at 9:15 PM CT
NOTE: Once bidding begins, Buy It Now is no longer available. Bidders will be able to set up a "Max Bid" if desired and artwork will sell to the highest bidder. Bidding in each gallery will conclude according to cellular network time synchronization. Though our countdown clocks and gallery closing performances are programmed to align as best as possible, please rely on your cell phone's clock when placing bids.
What is the starting bid on the online auction items?
The starting bid for artwork featured in the online auction is 70% of the retail price provided by the artist (including framing, if applicable).
Are there opportunities to see the works in person before the event?
YES!
Benefit Art Auction Exhibition Opening
Thursday, October 10, 6-8 PM
Be the first to view the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition. Buy It Now available.
Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
October 11-25, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 AM-5 PM and until 9 PM on Thursday
Free admission. Buy It Now available.
Are there opportunities to purchase works before the event?
YES! Auction items may be purchased at the Buy It Now price, calculated as 150% of retail (including framing, if applicable), beginning October 1 and at any time before bidding commences on October 25.
NOTE: Once bidding begins, Buy It Now is no longer available. Bidders will be able to set up a "Max Bid" if desired and artwork will sell to the highest bidder.
Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org for more information.
Are tickets required to bid in the auction?
No, tickets are not required to bid in the Auction, but are required to attend the Benefit event at Bemis Center on Friday, October 25.
There are multiple ways to support the artists and Bemis: by purchasing a ticket for the event on October 25, becoming a member or sponsor to receive Benefit-related perks, donating, and purchasing or bidding on Auction artwork!
Is my artwork purchase tax deductible?
Yes, but only the amount paid above the fair market value of the artwork noted on your receipt can be considered a charitable donation, so bid up those artworks. It's for a worthy cause after all!
How or when will I be able to collect or receive my artwork purchase?
There are four options available to those with winning bids on auction artwork:
IN PERSON, ON OCTOBER 25: Only two-dimensional artwork under 36 x 36 inches may be taken home the night of the event, once it is packed by our team members and has been paid for. Check-out will be available beginning at 8:30 PM.
PICK-UP: Artwork may be picked up at Bemis Center beginning Friday, November 1 at no additional charge. Pick-up is available Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekend pick-up is not available.
DELIVERY: Should you need assistance with the delivery and/or installation of your artwork, and you live in the Omaha/Lincoln region, you may arrange for delivery and installation services at an additional fee. Arrangement and payments are made directly with vendors:
Matt Lowe
Phone: 402.321.5754
Email: mloweprojects@outlook.com
Delivery and Installation Fee: Minimum $100 for the first hour and $75 for each additional hour. Rates subject to vary based upon location of delivery and installation. Call for a quote.
Nick Miller
Phone: 402.305.0088
Email: ncmiller83@gmail.com
Delivery and Installation Fee: $50.00/hour; 2 hour minimum. Buyer covers the cost of materials or rentals if necessary. Call for a quote.
SHIPPING: The cost of shipping work will be billed separately. Bemis Center will connect buyers with Craters & Freighters. The cost of shipping work will be billed separately by the vendor.
Who should I contact if I have a question that is not included here?
Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org.
For Artists
What is the timeline of events for the 2024 Benefit Art Auction?
June 15 | Deadline to Submit Artwork
Artists may submit either one or two pieces for consideration by our jury.
Mid-July | Notification of selected work
Our jury may select either one or two pieces or have questions about your submissions, and we will be in touch to confirm.
August 15 | Artwork must be received by Bemis Center
Bemis will share instructions for free shipping for your donated artwork (FedEx Express and Overnight Package Services excluded).
October 1 | Artwork Available Online
Artwork is available at Buy it Now prices October 1-24.
October 10 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition Opening Reception, 6-8 PM
The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition.
October 11-25 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
Wed-Sun 11 AM-5 PM, Until 9 PM on Thurs
Free admission, thanks to our Benefit Sponsors.
October 19 | Open House / Open Studios, 12-4 PM
Meet current artists-in-residence and tour their studios.
Free admission, thanks to supporters like you!
October 25 | Benefit Art Auction
This indoor/outdoor celebration includes a tented block party in front of Bemis on 12th Street, with open bars, small bites, music, and mobile bidding. Bidding begins at 70% of retail price.
What benefits come with contributing to the Benefit Art Auction?
If your artwork is selected for this year's Benefit, as a thank you for your generosity, your donation entitles you to:
- The choice to donate between 100% and 50% of the proceeds of the sale of your work to Bemis Center. The remaining sales percentage is yours to keep!
- Two complimentary tickets to the 2024 Benefit Art Auction on October 25
- One-year Bemis Center Membership at the $500 Core level
- Free shipping for your donated artwork
- Free framing for your donated artwork for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition (if applicable)
- Bemis Alumni Status (for more information visit bemiscenter.org/alumni-program)
Does Bemis Center need my W9 tax form on file?
This is not required upon artwork submission. If you have selected to receive a commission, Bemis Center will request a tax form. Please contact benefitartauction@bemiscenter.org if you have any questions.
Will my biography be displayed with my work?
Yes. The information you provide during your submission will be used to create a brief biography.
Why do I need to enter a retail price?
Bemis Center will use your suggested retail price to determine the minimum bid price which is calculated at 70% of your suggested retail price. This information is also used to determine the Buy-It-Now price, which is 150% of the retail price. If we frame your work, the cost of framing will be added to the retail price.
What is the minimum price for which my work may be sold?
By selecting your donation percentage on our submission form, you agree to the following: Artist/Bemis Center commission split is based on final sale price. Artwork is not sold below 70% of retail.
How do I know what donation percentage to select?
You determine the donation percentage you would like to offer from the options listed. The percentages range from a 100% donation to Bemis to a 50%/50% split of the sale price.
How many works may I submit for review?
You may submit up to two works for consideration by our jury. The jurors will select works ideally suited to the Benefit Art Auction and Exhibition, and may select 1, 2, or none. If your work is sold prior to the last day of bidding at the But-It-Now price, Bemis may request a replacement piece.
What if the work I would like to submit is not complete yet?
Unfortunately we are not able to accept incomplete works.
What if the artwork I would like to submit is unframed?
Artwork that is ready to hang is greatly appreciated, however we will accept unframed work. We'll frame the work prior to installation, and the cost of framing will be added to the retail price.
How do I know my artwork has been successfully submitted?
When you have completed the required fields on the form, you will receive an automated confirmation message.
How will I know when my artwork is accepted or declined for the Benefit Art Auction?
Upon approval, you will receive an email notification with the subject line "Accepted Artwork" indicating which work has been selected by our jurors. You will receive an email notification with the subject line "Declined Artwork" indicating which work(s) have not been selected. All notifications will be sent mid-June.
What are the optimum image settings?
Prior to beginning the submission process, make sure your images meet the following requirements:
Maximum file size: 1 MB
Recommended image size: 1088 x 816 pixels
File Name: Last Name, First Initial_Submission #_Artwork Title.JPEG
File Type: MUST be .jpg
Can you recommend free image editing software?
We recommend jpeg-optimizer-it's free and easy to use.
Here are some instructions:
- Go to jpeg-optimizer.com
- Click "Choose File"
- Select your image and click "Open"
- Ensure that "Compress Image" & "Resize Image" are both checked.
- Enter the number 80 for "Compress Image" and the number 1088 for "Resize Image".
- Click Optimize Photo. Note: it may take longer depending on your image size.
- After the image has completed, right click on your new image and select, "Save As."
- Select where on your computer you'd like to store the file. .
- Ensure format is JPEG.
- Click "SAVE"
You can now upload your newly resized photo to Bemis Center via online submission.
Why am I required to resize my images before uploading?
File size requirements are a standard part of online auction software. Potential buyers will be able to zoom into your image for detailed viewing.
Is Bemis Center accepting work that is shipped internationally?
No.
When do I ship my artwork and how?
Upon approval of your work, you will receive an email notification indicating which work has been approved and a link to shipping instructions. Bemis Center will cover all shipping costs (FedEx 2 Day, FedEx Express, and Overnight Package Service excluded), excluding crates, boxes, or other shipping supplies or services. Artwork must be received by August 15. If you have questions about shipping outside the provided guidelines, contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or benefitartauction@bemiscenter.org.
What happens to unsold artwork after the Benefit Art Auction?
If your selected artwork is unsold, we will contact you regarding pickup or return shipping. Artwork must be picked up or returned by Friday, December 6, 2024.
Who can be contacted for additional questions about the Benefit Art Auction and submitting artwork for review?
If you have technical or administrative questions, contact benefitartauction@bemiscenter.org. If you have other questions about this year's event, contact Ellie Novak at ellie@bemiscenter.org or 402.341.7130 x 16.