$99 Art Sale

All art, obviously, is entirely subjective, and the price for that art is similarly so. What exactly makes Woman III, an oil on canvas painting by abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning, worth over $100 million and highly sought after, while realist starving artists struggle to peddle their paintings of wildlife scenes and bowls of fruit as decorations for Motel 6s across the country? The Soap Factory's $99 art sale really won't answer that question. But it will put unknown local artists on the same playing field as nationally displayed artists, and most importantly, provide the Soap Factory with much-needed income. Artists submit 5-by-7-inch works to the gallery, with their name only appearing on the back. Then veteran art collectors, bargain hunters, and clueless people just looking for new wall hangings scour the works blanketing the studio walls, attempting to separate the artistic wheat from the chaff. Each work costs $99, and the purchasers only know who created the art once they've bought it and turned it over. It's like the art lottery! Those looking for the best stuff should fork over the $35 for the presale party and get first crack at the art. Bring running shoes and be ready for a stampede. Pre-sale party is $35 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Sat., Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-noon, 2008