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Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc. shows are organized by sending invitations
across the country and abroad to artists who are legally blind. They are
asked to submit slides of their work to a panel of judges, distinguished
in the Philadelphia art world.
Paintings,
sculptures, woodworking and crafts are included. Artwork must be original.
From these entries, works are selected creating shows which represent
all regions of the United States and abroad. The shows range in size from
50 to 80 entries.
Upon
arrival in Philadelphia, the works of art chosen for all the shows are
viewed by a second panel of experts, and from this collection, monetary
awards are given for the most professional work.
Contracts
with participating artists are for one year to eighteen months and usually
include two or three presentations in different cities. All artwork must
remain with the show until the end of the year and the termination of
the contract, when they may be claimed by the purchaser or returned to
the artist.
A
list of the artists, titles of their work, insurance value, sales price,
or not for sale (NFS) agreements are sent with the show along with the
sales agreement forms. Checks are accepted at the time of purchase and
forwarded to the NEBA treasurer for deposit until the tour is completed.
Only at that time may the artist receive his check and the buyer claim
his artwork.
For
prospective host museums and galleries, the prime considerations are timing,
appropriate exhibit space and cost. Insurance and security coverage, while
under the auspices of the host, must be guaranteed.
Communicating
with prospective hosts is constantly on the agenda. Juggling tour schedules
with a number of interested entrepreneurs involved problems not only of
mutually agreeable dates, but those of shipping. To make the show cost
effective, the minimum presentation must be for at least two, and preferably,
three months.
Need
for funding for this viable enterprise is ever with us as it is with most
other charitable organizations today. Through benefits, individual donations,
and grants, efforts must be continuously made not only to finance current
expenses but also to provide a basis upon which operations may be activated
for next year's show. The record of NEBA's many achievements and faith
in its potential for the future provides the inspiration and motivation
for its dedicated volunteers.
NEBA
solicits grants from government and private foundations and corporations,
as well as contributions from individual donors. Currently, all work is
done by volunteers, including many blind artists. Proceeds from sales
of artwork benefit the artists directly.
On
the part of National Exhibits by Blind Artists, Inc., a quality art exhibit
representing accomplishments by legally blind artists is provided for
presentation by prominent museums and galleries thereby enhancing their
public relations and attracting an enthusiastic public response.
For
further information, please contact us.
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