What is the Benefit Art Auction?
Bemis Center's Benefit Art Auction unites national artists with arts supporters for Omaha's premier celebration of contemporary art! Approximately 300 works have been selected by a distinguished panel of arts professionals for the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition, which is on view to the public from October 13-27 (free admission, see hours below). Artwork is availabe to purchase at "Buy it Now" prices from October 1-27 (online and in-person). The Auction begins at 5:30 PM on October 27, 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 27; 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 13 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition Opening, 6-8 PM
Join us for an opening reception celebrating the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition! Free admission, thanks to our Benefit Sponsors.
October 13-27 | Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
Wed-Sun 11 AM-5 PM, Until 9 PM on Thurs
Free admission, thanks to our Benefit Sponsors.
October 21 | View the Benefit Art Auction Exhibtion + Attend Open House / Open Studios, 11-5 PM
Meet current artists-in-residence and tour their studios.
Free admission, thanks to supporters like you!
October 27 | Benefit Art Auction, 5:30-9:15 PM
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 27, 5:30-9:15 PM. You may access the site via a desktop or mobile device; you do not need to download an app.
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
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
Friday, October 13, 6-8 PM
Be the first to view the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition. "Buy It Now" available.
Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
October 13-27, 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 27.
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 27.
There are multiple ways to support the artists and Bemis-by purchasing a ticket for the event on October 27; 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 27: 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 beginning Friday, November 3 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 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.
SHIPPING: The cost of shipping work will be billed separately. Bemis Center will connect buyers with Craters & Freighters.
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 27 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.