FAQ FOR 2023 AUCTION AND SALE

PAYMENT: All art purchases require credit card information at the time of the sale. By bidding for a piece, you have entered in an agreement to purchase the piece if you are the winner. 

SALES TAX: Due to Colorado sales tax law, we must charge combined Denver tax on ALL art purchases (8.81%). All artwork purchases are subject to sales tax no matter where the buyer is located.

GENERAL

PAYMENT: All art purchases require payment in full the night of the sale. If you are the winner of a silent auction piece but do not pay the night of the sale, we will call you to finalize the sale within 3 days. By writing your name on the bid sheet, you have entered in an agreement to purchase the piece if you are the winner.

SALES TAX: Due to Colorado sales tax law, we must charge the combined Denver tax on ALL art purchases (8.81%). All artwork purchases are subject to sales tax.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY: We can no longer provide shipping or delivery; however, we will have a delivery company on site so that purchasers can contract directly with them for these services. If your works need to be shipped, you can arrange for your own service or we will utilize FedEx, UPS, or another applicable service and charge you the shipping fee.

What is a BID BOX?
Bid boxes are small white boxes hung on the wall near each main artwork. Typically, artists will have 1-3 main artworks with bid boxes hung near them. If you are interested in purchasing the piece, you have until 7:30pm (5:30-7:30pm) to submit an Intent to Purchase form into the box, completely filled out with your name, phone number, and the piece number (located on the wall tag). To keep it fair for all buyers, please submit only one intent to purchase form per box. At 7:30pm, a volunteer salesperson will draw three names from the box. The first name drawn has 20 minutes (until 7:50pm) to finalize the sale with the volunteer. NOTE: IF YOU ARE THE FIRST NAME DRAWN, YOU MUST SPEAK TO THE VOLUNTEER BEFORE 7:50PM, OTHERWISE YOU WILL LOSE THE PIECE. Once the seller is confirmed, the volunteer will place a red dot on the wall tag to indicate the work is sold.

If first name drawn does not claim the artwork before the initial 20 minutes has expired (by 7:50pm), the second name is eligible for the next 10 minutes to purchase (until 8:00 p.m.). If the artwork is still unclaimed after 10 minutes, the third name has 10 additional minutes to make the purchase. At 8:10 p.m., any unsold artwork in the Box Draw is available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.

Any artwork without names in the bid box is available starting at 7:30 p.m., first-come, first-served.

If your name is drawn for more than one piece, you are obligated to purchase at least one work. If you were drawn first for any other pieces, you may purchase or release them for the next name on the list.

All bid box artwork that does not sell on opening night is sold first come - first served when the gallery is open during the Stock Show.

 

How does the SILENT AUCTION work?
Each artist will typically have up to 3 smaller works designated for the silent auction. These pieces are indicated by the silent auction board with form hanging near the piece. When bidding, clearly write your name, phone number and bid amount on the form. Writing your name constitutes an agreement to purchase, i.e., winning bidder is obligated to buy. You may not cross your name off the bid sheet. If you have made an error, speak to a volunteer. 

Minimum increase amount for bidding is $20. Bids less than $20 will be voided.

Timing: OUTSIDE Gallery closes at 8:15 p.m. / INSIDE Gallery closes at 8:45 p.m. The start of the bell signals that section of works is closing. The last patron bidding before or at the start of the final bell wins. Volunteers’ alarms will also ring at closing, and they will enforce timing. Disputes over final bidding will be resolved by sealed bid. Ask your Volunteer. 

The winning bidder’s name will be circled on each bid sheet. YOU MUST RETURN TO ITEMS YOU WON WHEN THE SECTION CLOSES. The Volunteer will give you the yellow copy of the bid sheet to take to the sales desk to complete purchase.

NEW: Skip the bidding process and BUY IT NOW. Pay twice the starting bid amount to secure the win. Simply sign your name in the BUY IT NOW box at the bottom of the bid sheet and alert a Volunteer.

All silent auction art goes home opening night. Art will be wrapped and available 15-20 minutes after the silent auction closes. Pick up your purchased art at the wrap desk before leaving.

All silent auction artwork that does not sell on opening night is sold for the starting price when the gallery is open during the Stock Show.

 

How do I purchase an EDITIONED MULTIPLE?
Some editioned multiples have bid boxes for the display piece. These are typically pieces that have other editions available that would need to be shipped from the artist (bronzes and photographs, some prints). The winner of the bid box drawing will win the display piece, but any other interested parties may purchase copies after the bid box drawing by alerting a volunteer.

Some editioned multiples are first come - first served and straight sale. These are typically pieces that have other editions in our gallery inventory and can be carried out that night (including prints by Joel Ostlind & Leon Loughridge). The volunteer will track the person who wishes to purchase the wall display piece (this buyer will need to wait until the show is over to take this piece home), otherwise anyone may purchase a piece and take it home opening night or the day they visit the gallery. Sales may start at 5:30pm.

All editioned artwork that does not sell on opening night is sold first come - first served when the gallery is open during the Stock Show. Stock is limited.

 

Who determines the starting bid and price of art?
The artist determines the price of his or her art.

 

What does the red dot mean?
A volunteer places a red dot on the wall tag when the art is sold. Multiple red dots indicate the number of editioned works sold.

 

How long do I have to finalize my sales?
All sales must be completed by 9:00 p.m. at the sales desk.

 

When can I get my art?
Some editioned work and ALL silent auction items can be picked up at the front desk on your way out. Bid box artworks and the display pieces for multiples remain in the gallery during Stock Show. All other work must be picked up at the Coors Gallery on our designated pickup day, typically the Tuesday after the end of Stock Show.

 

I purchased an editioned multiple, when do I get the piece?
The artist will reach out to you to finalize shipping details and payment. Photographs and prints will take up to six weeks and sculptures will take up to eight weeks after the conclusion of the show for delivery.

 

Can I write off the cost of the artwork I purchased?
This is for general information only. Please consult an accountant for additional information. According to the IRS, the only tax deduction which may be made related to the purchase of an auction item from a non-profit organization is the amount paid in excess of fair market value. The starting price of each work of art is the retail or fair market value as set by the artist, therefore no portion of the purchase is tax deductible. For works bid above the starting price (silent auction), you will receive a letter stating the tax deductible amount if you paid in excess of fair market value.

 

Can I write off the cost of the Red Carpet Reception Ticket or Patron Table that I purchased?
This is for general information only. Please consult an accountant for additional information. $85 of each individual ticket for the Red Carpet Reception may be tax deductible. A portion of each Patron Table amount is tax deductible. You will receive a letter stating the tax deductible amount in February.

 

How long is the exhibit up?
The Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale is ONLY open during the National Western Stock Show each January.