What is the Benefit Art Auction?
Bemis Center's Benefit Art Auction is Omaha's premier celebration of contemporary art. Attracting more than 2,000 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 9-30 with free admission. Artwork is available to purchase at Buy it Now prices from October 5-29 (online and in-person). The Auction begins at 5:30 PM CT on October 30, 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 30, becoming a member or sponsor to receive Benefit-related perks, donating, and purchasing or bidding on Auction artwork!
For Artists
What is the timeline of events for the 2026 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 5 | Artwork available online
Artwork is available at Buy it Now prices October 5-29.
October 9-30 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
Join us for the public Opening Reception on Friday, October 9!
Free admission, thanks to our Benefit sponsors.
October 24 | Open House / Open Studios
Meet current artists-in-residence and tour their studios.
Free admission, thanks to supporters like you!
October 30 | 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 2026 Benefit Art Auction on October 30
- 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
Does Bemis Center need my W-9 tax form on file?
A W-9 is optional upon artwork submission, but required for payment. If you have selected to receive a commission, Bemis Center will request a tax form.
Will my biography be displayed with my work?
Yes-the bio you provide during your submission will be viewable online and on-site at the Benefit Art Auction.
Why do I need to enter a retail price?
Bemis Center will use your suggested retail price to determine the Fair Market Value, which serves as the basis for the minimum bid price (70%) and Buy It Now price (150%).
While the Benefit Art Auction features artwork at a wide range of price points, the minimum suggested retail price accepted is $250.
How are Fair Market Values set?
The Fair Market Value is your suggested retail price, plus any applicable shipping and framing costs, rounded to the nearest $50 increment. If Bemis shipped or framed your work, your Fair Market Value may be higher than the suggested retail price entered on your submission form.
What if I need help setting a suggested retail price for my work?
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for pricing artwork, but a helpful guideline is:
(Hourly Wage × Hours Spent) + Cost of Materials
Determine a fair hourly wage for your work, multiply that by the number of hours you invested in the work, and then add the cost of any materials.
Art Connect offers other tips here: magazine.artconnect.com/resources/how-to-price-your-art
If you are still unsure, please contact benefitartauction@bemiscenter.org with specific pricing questions before June 12.
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 Buy 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? What are my framing options?
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.
Please note: The use of plexi or glass is at the discretion of the framer. Museum quality glass and plexi are not included as options for the Benefit Art Auction. Framers do not provide custom dry mounting services for the auction artwork. If an artist prefers to frame artwork differently than options offered below, this expense must be paid and completed prior to delivery.
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?
You will receive an email notification indicating which work(s) have been selected or not selected by our jurors.
All notifications will be sent in mid-July from the email address benefitartauction@bemiscenter.org. Please check your spam folder if you have not received a notification by mid-July.
What are the artwork image settings?
Please keep in mind that if your work is selected, the artwork image you submit will appear on your public online auction listing.
Prior to beginning the submission process, make sure your images meet the following requirements:
File Type: MUST be .jpg
Maximum file size: 1 MB
Recommended image size: 1088 x 816 pixels
File Name: Last Name, First Initial_Submission #_Artwork Title.JPEG
You will not be able to submit your form without uploading an artwork image. You will not be able to submit your form if an image exceeds 1 MB. You may need to resize your images before uploading.
Why do I need 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.
What if I need help resizing my images?
We recommend jpeg-optimizer.com; it's free and easy to use.
Instructions:
- Go to jpeg-optimizer.com.
- Click "Choose File."
- Select your image and click "Open."
- Ensure that "Compress Image" and "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.
Does Bemis Center accept 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. Please read the instructions carefully.
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 Jillian Schley at 402.341.7130 x 20 or jillian@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 11, 2026.
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 the Development Team at development@bemiscenter.org or 402.341.7130.