Donating Art & Resting Pears II, 8x10

Resting Pears, 8x10" Pastel on sanded paper ©Brenda Boylan sold

Many times over the course of an artist's career, organizations ask for art donations to support their causes. There are but a few organizations that I strongly believe in and was recently asked to donate to their yearly auction. Of course I said "Yes!" In most cases, I ask for a 50/50 split in auction situations to cover my costs of materials, framing and shipping. Donating art can be a great marketing tool with exposure to new patrons and art lovers but, only if you have plenty of inventory to spare.

There are disadvantages to donating. The tax laws do not let us write off the 'value' or sale value of the work due to different perceptions to the actual 'value'. We can though, write off the costs involved with the production of the art. But be sure to do your research before you donate and know where the money is going. As a general rule, I give where my heart is. It's not a bad feeling to know you are helping a worthy organization to accomplish their goals.

'Resting Pears II' is headed to my daughter's school auction. Her school is an art's magnet academy with plenty of talented young adults who do incredible things. Along with the usual demanding high school curriculum, they also study one or two areas of art: writing, photography, dance, jazz, classical music, poetry, ceramics, painting, graphic design, set design, and theatre. What blows me away is that the instructors all are vested in these students and it's a public school, so they have a very small budget. My daughter plays classical flute as well as a prolific writer. Here is a video of a recent flute recital, for your sensory pleasure....

"Sonata for Flute" by Poulenc