If Money Were No Object

That's the title of my "Dream Collection" for the 2020 SAQA Benefit Auction, which starts online on September 11 and runs into October this year.  There are just shy of 500 pieces of 12" square artworks "on the block" this year -- and if money were no object, I'd bring home even more than the eight I've selected!  Never mind the fact that besides loonies and twonies being in smaller supply this year, with art shows and sales cancelled, I have precious little wall space in my wee haven!  I'd have to start rotating pieces like they do in galleries and museums!

Some of my selection have been created by people I've met -- either in person or on line -- who are not only colleagues but also friends.  Others are by 'big names' in the studio art quilt world, whose work I admire and whom I'd love to meet one day.

With a limit of 8 per "Dream Collection", it was a challenge to pick and choose, but for this year, "If Money Were No Object", I'd want to bring these home...

Deborah Boschert
Across and Through

Judith Content
Seeing Red, Feeling Blue

Karen Hansen
La La Land

Bev Haring
Autumn Grasses

Jayne Himsl
It Dawned on Me

Katie Masopust
Puzzle

Holly McLean
Nostalgia in the Time of Quarantine

Sarah Ann Smith
Under Northern Stars

An eclectic collection indeed -- but each and every one of these pieces make me smile!  I hope you'll tune in to the Benefit Auction this year.  You have to create an "account" and ensure your encrypted credit card information is on file if you intend to purchase anything.  But even if you don't, you can peruse the art and create a "favourites" file...just in case... 😉

It's first come, first served when the auction opens each day, which makes it so much fun.  AND it's a 'declining' auction, which means the prices drop over time.  It's a race to see who can get the piece(s) they want at the best price!  😊  Check THIS LINK for all the information you need to know, to get in on the fun.

I'm linking this to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday...and wishing you a great week.  "See you" at the Auction!

Also linking to WIP Wednesday at The Needle and Thread Network...

Summertime Dreamin'

I've been an Artist Member of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) since 2008...and most years I've made a contribution to the Annual Benefit Auction, which raises money so that the organization can educate others (collectors, other artists, John and Jane Q. Public) about the medium of quilted art.

In the past several years, members have been invited to create "Dream Collections": a selection of pieces each member would like to own if s/he were able to purchase each one without the competition of an auction -- or if, money being NO object, s/he could purchase each one on the first day -- the Diamond Day -- of the auction, at the highest firm price on offer.

This year, I've entitled my selection "Faith, Hope and Love" after this passage in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 13:

And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

Because we could all use some of each of these things right now.  

In my rationale for the selection, I wrote: "In these tough times I turn to these three tenets for solace and encouragement.  Often, they are expressed through the hearts, minds and hands of artists like these."

And here are the pieces:

I'll leave each to your own interpretation as to why I chose them 

-- some being more obvious than others.

The Auction begins online on from September 13 through October 6.  Meanwhile, as it's SAQA's Thirtieth Anniversary, there is a special 30th Anniversary Exhibition of some of these works at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, through August 4 in the Beavers Terrace Gallery.

Note the dates...and the online link.  Bid early; bid often!  You might find some great artwork for your home or office -- or to give to someone special.

And yes, I did contribute a piece. They'll be auctioned off in sections, but I don't know in which one mine is just yet.   You'll just have to look through all 443 pieces -- listed alphabetically -- to find mine. 😉

Enjoy!

My Dream Collection

One of the most fun activities associated with the Annual SAQA Benefit Auction is being able to pick a "Dream Collection".  I become a curator of my own six-pack of art pieces that have some meaning for me, and might just inspire others to participate in the auction for real -- to the benefit of both SAQA and the artists.

This year, I'm calling my collection "Pet Project", and here's what I've written about that theme:

I'm a Certified Cat Person -- and recently lost a scrawny stray despite my attempts to save him.  I don't understand animal abuse any more than abuse of humans or the environment.  I'm honouring "Mr. Man-cat" and my very lively Miss Pookie-cat -- as well as all other pets -- with my collection this year.

Here are the pieces I chose:

Have some fun!  Pour a cuppa, visit the Benefit Auction Preview Page and pick the ones you'd put on your walls!

P.S.  Many thanks to Iina Alho, who chose my piece as part of her Dream Collection, "Rhapsody in Blue".  😊  Click the link and scroll down to enjoy!

SAQA's Annual Benefit Auction - 2016 Edition

For only the second time since 2008, this year I didn't put a piece in the annual SAQA Benefit Auction.  With all that's been going on -- my 15 x 15 Group participation, the Lacombe Art Show and Sale in April, My Corner of the World in May, The Wedding in July (with its accompanying quilt), and the up-coming Mark on the Body exhibit...plus work in my final year as SAQA Co-Rep (Alberta)...well...I just ran out of days!

I didn't even make the deadline to create a SAQA Dream Collection for posting on the website, darn it!  :-(

To make up for that, though...earlier this month I posted a Dream Collection on the SAQA Western Canada blog...so I am linking it HERE for you to enjoy.  I plan to watch this  year's auction unfold and see if I can make a winning bid on a special piece by one of my colleagues.  I owe them -- and SAQA -- a great deal for bringing out the 'artist' in me.

Meanwhile...here's my piece from last year's auction, inspired by Steve Martin's "Daddy Played the Banjo", which found a new home with a banjoist and fan of Mr. M...

Yellow Tree - (C) 2015

Why don't you enjoy the music while you plan your own Dream Collection?  Till next time...