Cahoon Museum Brush Off Auction - FAQs
Silent Auction:
All bidding for silent auction items takes place online.
Bidding opens Saturday June 27 at 9 AM and closes Sunday July 12 at 9 AM.
Live Auction:
All bidding for live auction items takes place in person at the museum's Live Auction Party on July 11, 5-7 PM.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Live Auction event!
How do I register?
To participate in the auction, register through GiveSmart. Once registered, you'll receive a welcome text message with a link to browse, bid, or buy items.
Important: To receive real-time bidding updates, be sure to enter a cell phone number and opt in to text messages. Automatic notifications only work via text. If you don't opt in, you'll need to check your bidding status online or set an auto bid.
How do I place a bid?
Silent auction: A single bid can be placed as a one-time bid for any amount. You can set an auto bid at the maximum amount you are willing to spend. With auto bid, our system will place your bid at the minimum amount needed to lead. When you are outbid, our system will bid automatically for you until your maximum is reached.
To Get Started:
Click the blue link in your welcome text to access the items page.
- Browse by category or search by item number or name.
- Click on an item to view its description, current bid, or price.
- The system will suggest the next bid amount based on the set increment.
- Enter your bid (at the suggested amount or higher) and click "Bid."
- You're all set! Happy bidding!
Live auction: You will be assigned a bidder's paddle during check-in at the event. The lively auctioneer guides the audience through each item as bids are placed in real time.
How do I place an auto bid?
Allow the system to automatically bid up to a designated amount for you. The system will bid incrementally up to the amount designated as long as someone else places a bid against you. If no one bids against your auto bid, the price remains the same.
- Click the item of interest
- Click the auto bid tab
- Enter in the maximum amount you would like to bid
- Click 'bid'
How do I make a donation?
Text to Donate
Text a donation with the word GIVE or DONATE followed by an amount. The dollar sign ($) is not required.
- Text the keyword 'greatbrushoff26' to 76278.
- Follow the text prompts to complete registration.
- Receive a Welcome Text.
- Text GIVE or DONATE followed by a dollar amount.
- Receive a thank you text.
- Secure payment by visiting Pay.
Donations made via this auction are deductible to the extent of current IRS regulations. Please direct specific questions to your personal accountant or you may contact our Elizabeth York, Development Manager, eyork@cahoonmuseum.org, 508-428-7581, ext. 4.
How do I find an artwork or category?
We have set up categories to make finding artworks easy. You can find a work based on the medium (oil, acrylic, ceramic), or find a work by your favorite artists by searching by last name. We are always happy to help find a work; contact Elizabeth York for more information, 508-428-7581, ext. 4, eyork@cahoonmuseum.org.
Are all artworks framed?
No, there are some artworks not framed, so please be sure to view all the pictures provided here -- or, better yet, visit the museum and see the item you are bidding on -- so that it meets expectations. Some artworks are on wrapped canvas or on board, intended to hang unframed. Other pieces are sculptural and meant to be displayed standing. Please note that quality and condition of frames may vary. Be sure to view all images available.
How do I receive my artwork after the auction closes?
Live auction: When the Live Auction concludes at 7 PM on July 11th, winning bidders will be prompted to complete payment before leaving. Accepted forms of payment include credit card or check. Once payment is received, your artwork will be available for you to take home that evening. Alternatively, you may return to the museum on Sunday, July 12 between 10am-2pm to pick up your artwork.
Silent auction: Once the Silent auction closes at 9 AM on July 12th, you will be notified that you have a winning item. If you have not added your credit card information, you will be prompted to check out. If you elect to automatically charge your card you will receive notification and receipt of your purchase.
We ask that all purchases be picked up from the museum on Sunday, July 12th, 10AM-2PM at the Cahoon Museum.
If unable to pick up July 12, please contact Elizabeth York, eyork@cahoonmuseum.org, 508-428-7581, ext. 4 to make an appointment or arrange for shipping.
Can I have my artwork shipped?
Yes. Our shipping partner is Gina at PakMail of Marstons Mills, MA. Please contact Gina directly, 508-420-1105, us056@pakmail.com, and she will collect your artwork from the museum, pack and ship it using one of the following services: UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL. All costs related to the pick-up, packaging, and shipping of your artwork(s) are your responsibility.
It may take two-three weeks to process shipping orders.
What happens to items without bids - Can I buy artworks after the auction closes?
Live auction: Once the auction closes at 7:00 pm on July 11th, unbid art will be available for instant purchase through July 20.
Silent auction: Once the auction closes at 9:00am on July 12th, unbid art will be available for instant purchase through July 20.
Can I claim my artwork purchase or donation on my taxes?
MA state sales tax will be applied to your artwork purchase price at check out.
Donations are deductible to the extent of current IRS regulations. The Cahoon Museum of American Art is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID 04-2802203. Please direct specific questions to your personal accountant or you may contact Elizabeth York, eyork@cahoonmuseum.org, 508-428-7581 ext. 4.
All proceeds from the Brush Off support the Cahoon Museum of American Art and participating artists. Depending on the contribution level each artists selected, they will receive 25% - 50% of final purchase amount. Some artists have donated 100% to the museum; please see artist information for more details.
Thank you for your support!