For just $100, artists sell originals to public in annual show

For just $100, artists sell originals to public in annual show


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SPRINGVILLE — For the past few years, people have waited in a snaking line outside of the Springville Museum of Art to take a piece of original art home with them.

It’s not an auction and pieces don’t go to the highest bidder. Anyone with $100 and a desire to buy an original work of art can take home a piece offered up by the artists. The annual event, aptly named the 100 Dollar Show, started several years ago when then-local artist Brittany Scott had the idea.

“I was talking with Brian Kershisnik about why people don't buy art in downtown Provo and he told me about a house show he decided to do with a few other artist friends where they sold the art for $100,” she said. “We talked about how cool it would be if we could do that on a bigger scale and have hoards of people waving $100 bills around, clamoring to buy original art. I kept thinking about our conversation and knew I needed to create it.”

She teamed up with Coleman Studios and after a successful first event, she approached Springville Museum of Art to take the show further than before. Emily Larsen, assistant curator and collections manager there, said they immediately knew the mission of the show aligned with the museum’s mission.

“As a staff, we felt that this was an important event for the community and wanted to get involved,” Larsen said. “Our director, Dr. Rita R. Wright, feels strongly about the power of original art and often advocates the idea that there should be ‘an original in every home.’ This seemed like a great way to further promote that idea, and to also support our living artists. It has also become a great way to get more people into the museum and introduce them to the great programming and exhibitions we produce.”

Together, Scott and the museum try to foster a diverse set of 32 Utah artists to introduce to a diverse group of potential buyers.

“There is a thrill and excitement unlike anything else in buying and owning original, one-of-a-kind art, and for that reason I created the show,” Scott said. “I think a little bit of magic is transferred from the artist into the work as they create it and that magic stays with the work. That's a key part of the energy that you feel when you get to the museum on the night of the show and it's the reason we don't allow prints to be sold in the show. I want everyone to feel the excitement of buying something unique, something handmade, and something that will grow in value, meaning and appreciation over time.”

The affordability is critical to the idea, which is why it stays the same each year. These pieces may typically sell for something like $300 or more but each artist discounts the pieces to meet the required price point.

“This show is truly one-of-a-kind. I attend dozens of art shows throughout the year, and nothing I have ever attended has the same energy and excitement as the 100 Dollar Show,” Larsen said. “The excitement of the public is really what sets this show apart. You can feel their energy and excitement through the whole building when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. and everyone rushes in, trying to find their favorite artists and the works of art that speak to them.”

This year, artists include Paige Anderson, Rett Ashby, Cassandra Barney, Katrina Berg, Annie Blake, Mike Bohman, Eric Boothe, Cynthia Clark, Caitlin Connolly, Mark Crenshaw, Leslie Duke, Scott Filipiak, Jeanne and David Gomm, Anne Gregerson, Cristall Harper, Stephanie Hock, Heidi Israelsen, Rick Kinateder, Emily King, Laura Hope Mason, J. Kirk Richards, Sarah Samuelson, Colby Sanford, Brittany Scott, Meghan Sours, Sabrina Squires, Nick Stephens, Tyler Swain, Megan Trueblood, Jenna von Benedikt, Justin Wheatley, and Dan Wilson. Each will have 15 works available for sale.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the museum, though potential buyers are encouraged to arrive early to experience the best selection. According to the museum, buyers have lined up as early as 3 p.m. in years past in order to get to the front of the line. No previews of the works will be available.


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About the Author: Celeste Tholen \--------------------------------

Celeste is the former Deputy Managing Editor at KSL.com and now works in marketing. She spends most of her spare time balancing conflicting interests in the outdoors and movies/television.You can follow Celeste on Twitter: @CelesteTholen

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