This auction is primarily antique and art dealer consignments. For almost two months, the antique shops, malls and shows have been closed, cancelled or postponed. Dealers who’ve welcome you into their shops for years haven’t had any income to speak of since the coronavirus came to town. This is how the Pandemic Relief auction came to be.
We offered our services to Cleveland and surrounding area dealers with a reduced dealer commission rate to put more in their pockets. Bidding in this auction will help some of your favorite dealers pay their bills.
While still under a shelter-in-place order (or SIP as someone called it), we had to put our tag-line “Auctions Evolved” into play. We really had to evolve how we were going to work remotely with clients while the gallery was closed. We started “virtual consigning” using email, FaceTime and Zoom. You might notice the photography of the May Pandemic Relief auction is a little different. That’s because many photographed their own merchandise for the catalog. Only after the SIP was lifted, could we inspect items in person for condition reports and fill in the blanks of submitted descriptions and measurements. In other cases, items were shipped or delivered to my home, or we would pick up items wearing our masks from our clients doors. Then Bridget and I would swap items so she could catalog and I could photograph. It was alot of extra work but we made it through with the help our our team members.
While our doors were closed, we came up with the idea of the Look Books to generate income for the gallery. After posting the Algessa O’Sickey collection, (which we are in charge of selling for the estate to benefit the Cleveland Sight Center), next came the collages of the ever-talented Mr. Charles Phillips. We quickly had sales within the first 24 and 48 hours of posting each! We sold about half of Charles’ work within the first week with several pieces going out of state. Today we added the paintings of Joseph McCullough; we had an exhibition of his work last summer that was attended by many former students, faculty and friends of the Cleveland Institute of the Arts. I hope you take a moment to peruse these books and hopefullt find something you must have. These original works are all reasonably priced for every level of collector.
I’ve asked many clients what they’re doing with their time at home. I hear two things; “clearing out stuff I don’t need” and “re-decorating” and trying to keep their spirits lifted with online shopping. The most popular items people are consigning right now are jewelry, oriental carpets and paintings. Whether is something you’re not wearling, using or need anymore, now is a great time to sell.
In a recent poll published in the New York Post, nearly three in four of those polled (72 percent) say buying something impulsively during the pandemic has positively affected their mood. It doesn’t have to be all about cleaning supplies and toilet paper! While sheltering at home, treat tourself and add a little something to brighten your day. Check out the May auction for something new that’s old to adorn your home or workspace for a fresh new look. Not only will it perk you up, you’ll be helping our local economy and businesses get back on track.
