Benefit Art Auction + Concert FAQ
What does the Benefit Art Auction + Concert support?
Proceeds from the Benefit Art Auction + Concert are reinvested into participating artists and 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 a $300 honorarium for their inclusion in the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition.
There are multiple ways to support artists and Bemis: by becoming a member or sponsor to receive special Benefit-related perks; donating; and purchasing Auction artwork!
How many artists are participating in the auction?
Approximately 200 regional and national artists practicing in all mediums are participating, presenting approximately 200 works of art.
What is the schedule of Benefit events this year?
- Artist + Member Previews* | October 1-3
- Benefit Art Auction Exhibition* | October 7-30
- Virtual Kick-Off Event + Surprise Reveal | October 24
- Online Bidding | October 24-30
- Virtual @ LOW END Concert by Dan Deacon | October 30
*By appointment only. Buy It Now available.
For more information, please visit our Schedule of Events page.
Will artwork be viewable online?
Artwork will be viewable online beginning October 1. It will also be available for purchase at the "Buy It Now" price until bidding starts on October 24 at 8:30 PM.
What is "Buy It Now?"
The "Buy It Now" price is calculated as 150% of retail (including framing, if applicable). You have an opportunity to buy artworks at the "Buy It Now" price prior to, and at any point during, the online bidding week October 24-30. Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org for more information.
How will bidding take place this year?
This year all bidding will take place online through the GiveSmart virtual bidding platform, October 24 starting at 8:30 PM CT through October 30, ending at 10 PM CT. You may access the site via a desktop or mobile device; there is no need to download an app, but you must register to place bids or "Buy It Now". Look for the Register button in the top right of this webpage. Please join us on October 24 at 8 PM CT for a Virtual Kick-Off Event + Surprise Reveal, time TBD.
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).
What are my payment options and conditions of sale?
You must register with a credit card number in order to place bids or "Buy It Now". If you would like payment to be collected through a different method than via the card on file, you must contact Aileen Tobin at aileen@bemiscenter.org or at 402.341.7130 x 10 by October 30.
All sales are final; no exchanges or refunds are allowed.
The buyer agrees that Bemis Center may share information about the sale price and the identity of the buyer with the artist for future communications, including the possible loan of the artist's work for museum exhibitions or otherwise.
Is my artwork purchase tax-deductible?
The amount of your purchase paid above the fair market value (retail price) of the artwork may be considered a charitable contribution and it will be noted on your receipt. Unless exempted by law, the Purchaser is required to pay Nebraska State Sales Tax of 7% on the fair market value (retail price) of each item.
Are there opportunities to see the works in person before the event?
YES! Dates and times for preview opportunities (by appointment) are listed below. Appointments to view the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition may be made beginning September 15.
Artist + Member Previews
October 1-3
Thursday and Friday, 11 AM-9 PM and until 5 PM on Saturday
Participating artists and Bemis members are invited to be the first to view the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition. "Buy It Now" available. Join now at bemiscenter.org/membership and be the first to see the exhibition!
Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
October 7-30
Wednesday-Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM and until 9 PM on Thursdays
View the exhibition, by appointment. 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). You have an opportunity to buy artworks at the "Buy It Now" price prior to, and at any point during, the online bidding week October 24-30. Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org for more information.
Are tickets required to bid in the auction? Are tickets required to stream the concert?
No tickets are required to participate; however, there are multiple ways to support the artists and Bemis: by becoming a member or sponsor to receive special Benefit-related perks; donating, and purchasing Auction artwork. More details available here. Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org for more information.
How or when will I be able to collect or receive my artwork purchase?
Artwork remains in the Exhibition through October 30. There will be three options available to those with winning bids on auction artwork:
PICK-UP: Artwork may be picked up at Bemis Center by appointment beginning Thursday, November 5 at no additional charge. We will have packing assistance on site.
DELIVERY: Should you need assistance with the delivery and/or installation of your artwork, and you live in the Omaha/Lincoln region, you may opt in for delivery and installation services at an additional fee. Costs may vary and payments are made directly to the vendor.
Matt Lowe
Phone: 402.321.5754
Email: mlowe.projects@gmail.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 to make arrangements: 402.334.5454; Cratersandfreightersomaha.com
Where is Bemis Center located? Is there parking available?
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 724 South 12th Street in Omaha, Nebraska, on the northwest corner of 12th and Leavenworth just south of the heart of the Old Market. There are some public parking spaces across the street from our main building and on Leavenworth Street.
How can I contact someone if I have a question that is not included here?
Contact Ellie Novak at 402.341.7130 x 16 or ellie@bemiscenter.org.