A: We always put on a good evening, and this year will be no exception. We have complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and a wonderfully festive feel. Feel free to get as dressed up as you would like [...]]]> Q: The Gala on Friday night – how fancy is it, and what should I wear?

A: We always put on a good evening, and this year will be no exception. We have complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and a wonderfully festive feel. Feel free to get as dressed up as you would like (it’s not black tie, and you don’t need to wear gowns, but that outfit in your closet that you keep for special occassions – this might be the time to dust it off)

Q: Can we bring people to the Gala Opening?

A: Absolutely – the more the merrier – especially if they come prepared to purchase works of art. We are expecting over 600 people that evening, and a large portion of our sales comes on this evening…

Q: Is there a charge for people to see the art sale?

A: There is no charge for visitors to view the works for sale in the Grand Lobby. If they do wish to view the works in the gallery spaces, they will need to pay admission. The gallery itself is not open during the Friday night gala, but is throughout the weekend.

Q: What does it cost to park?

A: Parking is $5 for visitors (free for members). Artists park for free over the weekend – your name will be on a list with Security/Parking.

Q: Is it true that there will be a meal provided for the artists and volunteers on Friday before the sale?

A: Yes. We will supply a light dinner in the gallery restaurant on Friday Oct. 22 between 4:30 and 5:30 pm.

Q: Can my spouse/mature child/friend help over the weekend?

A: Absolutely. Let us know who you’re thinking of bringing so we can print up a nametag. If their desire to help extends past just helping you (their favourite artist), send an email to artsale2010@mcmichaelvolunteers.com and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you with opportunities.

Q: What do you mean by "size" on the works form submission – image size or framed size?

A: Give us the image size, as it will be printed on the work label. Purchasers can mentally add in the framed dimension.

Q: How should I price my works? What kind of prices have sold in the past?

A: The majority of the pieces sold are under $1,000, but we have sold a number at higher levels. Click Here to view the breakdown of sales by price range for the last five years.

Q: Is is true we have to stand all weekend?

A: No, we are just severely limited with space constraints, so we have to be creative. You may bring a small stool (check out Canadian Tire or Dominion for their $10 wooden stools), but anything larger will impinge on the display space of others, and act as an obstacle for the browsing public. If you view the images of the display space slideshow, you’ll see some examples of what artists brought last year.

Q: Is is true we are not allowed to bring portfolios to show our other works?

A: Again, we are just severely limited with space constraints, so we have to be creative. You may bring a SMALL portfolio that you can show to prospective purchasers to help show the depth and breadth of your work, especially if it helps make a sale. (Small, as there’s no real place to hide it at your panel, and it can look like a dog’s breakfast if we have portfolios, purses, bags, and coats laid at the base of your panel.) If a patron was interested in purchasing one of the works from your portfolio not on display in the sale, we would ask that you still honour the 65%/35% split.

Q: Kleinburg, eh. So just where exactly is that again?

A: The village of Kleinburg is located in the City of Vaughan, about 30 minutes north of Toronto. Click the link below to have Google Maps help you find us.

View Larger Map

Q: Any suggestions on where to stay for the weekend?

A: Click this link to view the accommodations page from the McMichael web site.

Q: Excel – what’s that? I don’t have that on my computer, so how can I submit my works list to meet the October 1 deadline?

A: Just about ANY program will work – even a regular email message. Excel simply makes it easy to keep things in columns. If you use a word processing program – just insert one tab (and only one tab) between columns. We’ll be able to copy it and paste it into our cumulative list. If you have any questions, let us know (sooner, rather than later).

Q: Is it true that there will be sales during the day on Friday?

A: Yes. We started this a couple of years ago, and it has proved successful for us. It allows McMichael staff working during the day (who wouldn’t normally stay for the evening) to get a crack at your works, as well as McMichael visitors. Last year, we sold almost $7,000 during the day. Artists are not expected to be at the gallery during the day on Friday. Please check your panel upon arrival on Friday evening in case you have to replace any works sold during the day.

Q: I see where you state that artwork must be "professionally framed and wired for hanging. What about "gallery stretched canvas"?

A: Works on gallery stretched canvas do not need to be framed, as long as they are properly finished on the sides. The essense of this requirement is that our patrons must be able to bring home their artwork and immediately hang it on the wall. View this link for framing samples.

Q: Do artists have to provide their own lighting?

A: Each panel (6′ wide x 7′ tall) already has two lights – you will not need to bring your own. View this image.

Q: What hanging system will we use?

A: We use adjustable hooks on aircraft hanger wire. To begin with, each panel will have four wires (and as many hooks as you will need. Extra wires are available if necessary. See this image for the hooks.

Click here to see an analysis of sales by price range for the [...]]]>
Although the majority of works sold at our sale are priced at less than $1,000, we have sold many at higher prices. The minimum price for works is $100. We suggest you bring works priced at a variety of price points.

Click here to see an analysis of sales by price range for the last five Autumn Art Sales.

The essence is that our purchasers must be able to hang their purchased pieces once they [...]]]> All artwork that is framed must be professionally framed and wired for hanging. Frames which are inferior or in poor condition will not be accepted. Works on gallery stretched canvas with painted sides do not need to be framed.

The essence is that our purchasers must be able to hang their purchased pieces once they get them home.

Brochures: We produce 35,000 four-colour brochures (including a sample image from each participating artist). We’ll have these at the McMichael over the next two months for visitors to pick up. McMichael members will receive theirs in early September (with their Autumn issue of Sketches, the [...]]]> We use a number of avenues to advertise the sale

Brochures: We produce 35,000 four-colour brochures (including a sample image from each participating artist). We’ll have these at the McMichael over the next two months for visitors to pick up. McMichael members will receive theirs in early September (with their Autumn issue of Sketches, the McMichael members magazine). 200 will be shipped out to participating artists in early September – please help us by distributing these to your mailing list, or dropping some off to places in your community where potential purchasers might pick them up (i.e., restaurants, shops, gallerys, etc.). In Octobers, we’ll deliver approximately 15,000 through Canada Post to households in surrounding communities.

Display Ads: We place ads in a variety of magazines (including King Tapestry, Caledon Living, Slate Art Guide) and local newspapers.

Web sites: McMichael.com, McMichaelVolunteers.com, AutumnArtSale.ca

Online: We place ads using online distribution (inlcuding Akimbo, TheZine), as well as various arts and community event portals.

Email: We’ll send emails out to our list.

Television: We’ll aim to get an ad on Rogers Cable 10.

Word of Mouth: As much as we can (your help is appreciated).

Other: Suggestions and contact information appreciated.