What is the Benefit Art Auction?
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts's Benefit Art Auction unites national artists with arts supporters for Omaha's premier celebration of contemporary art. This year, approximately 300 works will be selected by a distinguished panel of arts professionals for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition, and Benefit event with mobile bidding available, allowing patrons to place bids and purchase work from anywhere in the world!
What does the Benefit Art Auction + Concert support?
Proceeds from the Benefit Art Auction + Concert 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 28; becoming a member or sponsor to receive Benefit-related perks; donating; and purchasing or bidding on Auction artwork!
What is the timeline of events for the Benefit Art Auction?
October 1 | Artwork Available Online
Artwork is available at "Buy it Now" prices October 1-27.
October 14 | Artist + Member Preview, 6-8 PM
Artists, Members, and Sponsors are invited to an exclusive preview of the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition. Join or Sponsor now!
October 14 | Guerilla Toss @ LOW END, 8-9 PM
Free admission, thanks to Mellon Foundation.
October 22 | Open House / Open Studios, 11-5 PM
Meet current artists-in-residence and tour their studios.
Free admission, thanks to supporters like you!
October 15-28 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
Wed-Sun 11 AM-5 PM, Until 9 PM on Thurs
Free admission, thanks to our Benefit Sponsors.
October 28 | Benefit Art Auction
Bidding begins at 70% of retail price.
How will bidding take place this year?
Bidding will take place online through the GiveSmart virtual bidding platform, on Friday, October 28, 5:30-9:15 PM. You may access the site via a desktop or mobile device; you do not need to download an app.
NOTE: once bidding begins, "Buy It Now" is no longer available. Bidders will be able to set a "Max Bid" if desired and artwork will sell to the highest bidder.
Gallery 1 - Bidding closes at 7:45 PM
Gallery 2 - Bidding closes at 8:15 PM
Gallery 3 - Bidding closes at 8:45 PM
Gallery 4 - Bidding closes at 9:15 PM
Will I be able to bid on artwork at the event if I do not have a smart phone?
Yes! There will be Bemis Center staff and volunteers in each gallery with ipads who can help you place a bid.
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).
Will I be able to view the bidding activity on artwork without a smart phone?
Yes! New this year: there will be flat screen monitors in each gallery and in the tent scrolling through the auction items and showing number of bids and the current bid price.
Are there opportunities to see the works in person before the event?
YES!
Artist + Member Preview
Friday, October 14, 6-8 PM
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 15-28, 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 28.
NOTE: Once bidding begins, "Buy It Now" is no longer available. Bidders will be able to set 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 28.
There are multiple ways to support the artists and Bemis-by purchasing a ticket for the event on October 28; 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 will be four options available to those with winning bids on auction artwork:
IN PERSON, ON OCTOBER 28: Smaller artwork 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 by appointment beginning Friday, November 4 at no additional charge. We will have packing assistance on site. Please call Ellie Novak 402.341.7130 x 16 to schedule your pick-up, Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
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 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Ellie Novak, Development Director, at 402.341.7130 or ellie@bemiscenter.org.
Where is Bemis Center located? Is there parking available?
Bemis Center 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. Free parking is available on Friday, October 28 beginning at 5 PM in the lot north of Bemis, on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are also metered parking spots and parking lots nearby in the Old Market.
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.