2010 Patrons' Show

If you're looking for that perfect piece of art - reasonably priced - for your home, office, or collection - mark the Art League of Alexandria's Annual Patron's Show, at The Torpedo Factory, on your calendar for Sunday February 21 @ 5 PM.

Each year local artists donate upwards of 600 works of art - paintings, watercolors, prints, photos, and sculptures - one of which you can select for 175 dollars per ticket. ALOA is displaying the art on its walls from February 4 -21, the time of the drawing. Tickets (with seating selections) are now on sale.

The drawing is kind of a lottery and shout-out where you determine your prize from a dwindling field. A ticket stub is randomly selected from a large container and the holder's name is called out. The selectee must identify a work immediately, by number. If the art has already been taken, you must substitute another number. If you can't come up with another one quickly or nothing else interests you or if you've bailed (the show may run to 10 PM), you may donate the cost of the ticket and write it off on your taxes.

Everyone has a strategy for selections. Some pick their absolute favorite 10 to 50 pieces of art; others select favorites in groups and rank order them in first, second, and third tiers. Some use color codes to keep track of what remains available; others go high tech and bring a lap top. Patrons' research of the art varies as well, ranging from a quick gallery stop an hour or two before the drawing to a visit each and every day from the time the art is put on display (OCD runs on a continuum).

My experience with these types of events - I've been to several - is that everyone's taste is different so you're likely to get something you like. One of my top picks was available each time; and last year, I got lucky and got both (with two tickets, you improve your odds). And the other times, the artwork was a happy and unexpected acquisition.

Some of the artists will select a work by their colleagues, a touching tribute if there ever was one. You yourself may get a chance to select a work by a favorite artist, or an established one who is perhaps beyond your means or price point. Based on my view of the market, most works are valued at two to three times the ticket price; there have been a number that would easily fetch a thousand dollars or more (some artists are very generous).

The drawing's not for the faint of heart. Selections move at an extremely fast pace. It's crowded, noisy, and a bit distracting, so you may loose your thread. Festivities resemble a tailgate party at times. Impatient donors may boo you, if you take too long; or laugh at your selection. In both cases you'll get to feel what it's like to be an artist or collector. They laughed at Picasso and Albert Barnes in their days, so take heart!

The first drawing of the night is done by raffle. For about 15 dollars, you get a one-time shot at anything in the show, but you must select the piece in advance. For the regular drawing, if you're unfortunate to end up in the last ten or so names called, you'll get a door prize. If you're dead last, you'll earn a free ticket to next year's show, plus first dibs on seat selection. Donated or extra works are auctioned off, following the drawing. All sales benefit The Art League, a 501(c)3 organization. So everyone walks away with something special, and at the very least, a good vibe. For further information about the show, check out ALOA's website at www.theartleague.org