The deadline for applications is Friday, November 22nd, 2024. - Please email jesine@bigskyarts.org to request an extension.
Artists will be notified if their work has been selected by Friday, December 20th, 2024.
All artwork must be delivered to the Arts Council no later than January 31st, 2025. Selected artists are responsible for delivery and will receive further instructions.
The Auction for the Arts is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
What does the Arts Council of Big Sky do? What does my donation support?
The Arts Council of Big Sky was created in 1989 and our mission is to enrich our community through artistic experiences. Our vision is a community connected and inspired by art. To accomplish this, we host a wide variety of arts-focused programs for the Big Sky Community. The Auction for the Arts primarily supports making our studio art education classes accessible to ALL people through our contribute-what-you-can fee structure. Your participation in the Auction and contribution to the Arts Council makes it all possible!
How long has the Auction for the Arts run?
The first Auction for the Arts was in 2013. Check out this list of past artists!
Does the Arts Council of Big Sky host any other auctions?
No - this is our only auction and it is a fundraiser. This is the ONLY nonprofit-hosted art auction in our community.
What contribution does the artist make to the Arts Council?
A portion of the sale price of each artwork is retained as a contribution to the ACBS. Artists determine their contribution percentage and can opt to give 50%, 75% or 100% of the sale price to the Arts Council. Most artists select the 50% option, so the artist keeps 50% and the ACBS 50% of the final price.
What is the typical price range of Silent Auction artwork?
Most silent auction items tend to be priced up to $5,000 with most items falling between $500 - $3000.
Is there an artwork size limitation?
There are no limitations on the sizes of works submitted for selection. However, we smaller artworks generally are easier to display and sell.
What happens if my artwork doesn’t sell?
This is a no-risk auction, any unsold artwork will be returned to the artist without additional costs to the artist (some restrictions may apply). Local artists may pick up work and non-local artist’s work will be shipped back.
What will the Auction for the Arts look like this year?
This year's auction will be hosted at The Montage luxury resort in Big Sky, Montana on February 22, 2025. All silent auction items will be available for online bidding beginning the week prior (Exact timing TBD). The in-person event will include:
- Introductions from the Arts Council
- Silent Auction (application link here)
- Quick Finish Live Auction (application link here)
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, live entertainment
- Online bidding (silent auction only)
- Proxy bidding (live auction only)
- Lead up art preview at the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin Club, Spanish Peaks Club, and other prime locations in Big Sky
Is the artist required to be at the auction?
No, artists are not required to be at the auction unless they are doing a quick finish.
Can I attend the auction? Can I bring a guest to the auction?
Yes! Selected artists are given one ticket each to attend the auction free of charge, however they must RSVP in advance as we typically sell out. Selected artists are also given one 50% off ticket for a companion. They may invite as many other paying guests as they wish, with no additional discounts.
How do I get you my artwork?
Selected artwork must be delivered to the Arts Council of Big Sky by the artist. Drop off and shipping options are available. Selected artists will receive more information.
Is my artwork insured while you have it?
The Arts Council of Big Sky’s insurance policy covers artwork in our possession from the point it is turned over to us by your shipping company to the time we turn it over to a buyer, or if not sold, to our shipping company to return to you.
How do reserves work?
Reserve is the minimum hammer price, not the starting bid nor the minimum that the artist receives. Artists may select “No Reserve” to increase the chance of a successful sale. If a reserve is set, ACBS recommends reserves at or below 60% of the retail value. Starting bids are determined by ACBS.
How do I get paid for my artwork?
Prior to the event, selected artists must provide a W9 form to receive payment for their art sales through ACBS. Sales are processed during and after the auction event. Artist splits are calculated and we do our best to mail payments within 2 weeks of the event.