Art, Value & Giving Back
Supporting charitable causes without diminishing the value of original art.
For more than 15 years, I’ve supported charitable organizations through donations of original artwork. I believe in giving back to the community, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to many worthwhile causes.
But over time, I’ve come to question whether traditional silent auctions are the best way for artists to contribute.
Why I’ve stepped away from silent auctions
Original artwork has an established value based on an artist’s experience, creative practice, materials and market.
Silent auctions, however, are environments where people are often looking for a bargain. When artwork sells significantly below its retail value, it can unintentionally undermine that value while raising less money for the charity than the work might otherwise command.
These events are also frequently presented as opportunities for exposure. While I appreciate the intention, I’ve found that people attending fundraising events are generally there to support the cause, not necessarily to discover and purchase art.
I’ve therefore made the decision to no longer donate or consign original artwork to traditional silent auctions.
A different way to give back
This doesn’t mean I’m stepping away from supporting charitable organizations. It means I’m looking for ways to contribute that create greater value for everyone involved.
Through Alkali Arts, I’m developing creative experiences, interactive installations and collaborative projects that can become part of an event itself.
Rather than offering an original artwork at a discounted auction price, these experiences can engage guests, create conversations and offer meaningful opportunities for corporate sponsorship.
I believe this approach better serves charitable organizations while respecting the value of creative work.
Let’s create something meaningful
If you’re organizing a charitable event and would like to explore an alternative to a traditional art donation, I’d welcome a conversation.