This evening was a lovely garden party for my garden group. A member asked if I would consider donating a piece of my work to a silent auction. You know, my work is not everyone's cup of tea. And then I thought -- would a dentist donate a filling? Maybe a bridge? Maybe a crown? Are they asked to contribute their talent? Why are we?
It's a cosmic irony. I think the answer is, you can't afford to give away your time, money, materials and reputation. Paying for it is what makes it exclusive, collectable and worth having.
ReplyDeleteHaving worked with nonprofits off and on my whole life, the answer is yes other services do get asked. But generally doctors and other medical types don't get the glory of auctions but asked to donate by caring for needy patients.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the glory of being a one person business without a steady income. Unless you collect a paycheck by working for a profitable business. The number of successful, profitable, Artists whose income is solely off their Art and not supplemented by a teaching job, is tiny. Face it, every show, event, whatever, wants pretty, Artwork to sell at no cost to them. It's a big draw for money that would be a lot harder to collect otherwise. Everyone wins except the Artist who spent time and materials to create something and who then is expected to give up any slim profits. When a DDS raffles off a free implant, he would be matching the actual value of a large quilt.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert and Pat for your thoughtful replies to my question. I know that asking --- must asking for a donation is difficult, and it is seen as a compliment. And I had forgotten that the medical professionals do give generously to those in need. I'll rethink my so short answer next time I'm approached.
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