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| Juried artworks at the western Showcase Auction |
We headed to Calgary Thursday and arrived just as the auction was starting. ( delay on Hennday, delay on Deerfoot, the usual)l This was our second year, and we leisurely enjoyed seeing the Quick Draw artists and all the activities that happen before the auction actually starts. A big shout out to Doug Swinton, who participates in the Quick Draw and donates to the School Art Scholarship every year.
Awards are given for best FLAT and 3D works. It is amazing that 97+ pieces are auctioned off in only 2 hours...you have to be on your toes the whole time! This year there was an extra large turn out with celebrating the 100 year of the Calgary Stampede. Some works went for over $50,000 and some as low as $1500 but the overall quality was very impressive. You could see the collectors were very excited and there was some fierce bidding going on.
Our ticket was $75 and included grounds admission, auction admission, appetizer buffet, free beer and wine. a full color catalog and a collectors pin. We ended up saving our admission for Sunday after we returned from Waterton National Park. We toured around the Western Showcase Art Pavilion and talked with the over 40 artists that set up their booths for the full 11 days of the Stampede. Sales were impressive with one artists selling out with a total of over $95,000! Now we know where all the moolah is....in Calgary!!!
What I enjoyed the most is that these very successful artists were by and large painting REALISTIC art. yes, mostly cowboys, saddles and chuck wagons , but very well done, very sought after realistic art. There is DEFINITELY a market for the type of art we produce at Hidden Talent!
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