Red Dot Sale at Blue Star
by JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor –
Blue Star Contemporary center is once again getting ready for its popular annual Red Dot Art Sale which raises funds for San Antonio’s oldest contemporary art space and encourages collecting of new art.
Scheduled for May 15, the one-night-only exhibit will feature 115 artworks created by almost as many artists. The sale proceed are shared fifty-fifty with the contributing artists.
“What I like about Red Dot is that it supports the artists as well as the institution,” said artist Patty Ortiz who is a current Blue Star board member. “For prospective collectors, it’s a good opportunity to see in one place what artists are doing right now. It’s a great opportunity to be introduced to the artists.
“The selection is excellent this year,” she added. “I would love to buy a lot of that. There is a great deal of experimentation and conceptual work, a lot of overlapping and sharing, culturally speaking. No sharp divisions. It’s beautiful.”
For an artist, it is deeply gratifying to know that someone is enjoying his or her work, and is willing to pay for it. Ortiz remembers a Denver acquaintance who had purchased one of her pieces and placed it in her foyer. The woman later told Ortiz that she loved seeing the work every time she passed by it.
For beginner collectors the Red Dot Sale is a good place to “catch the collecting bug,” as the press release suggests. Purchases are tax free up to $4,999.
Sponsors and potential collectors will get a chance to preview the exhibit May 14, 6:30 – 8 p.m. The main event takes place the next day, 7p.m. – 10 p.m., with food, drinks and entertainment. The occasion will also honor two prominent individuals who have contributed to the local art scene: Southwest School of Art long-time president Paula Owen and Blue Star visionary developer James Lifshutz. And, for good measure, there is even an after party at the Liberty Bar.
Unfortunately, no one else gets to see the Red Dot art because the gallery must get ready for the next regular show, said development director Elaine Leahy. Ortiz noted, however, that she might try to change that to allow the public – and potential new collectors – to have a look during at least a few days after the event. Red Dot contributes some 20 to 25 % of Blue Star’s revenue.
To buy tickets or a sponsorship go to www.bluestarcontemporary.org/red-dot