The Anne McKee Artists Fund announces a Call to Artists for the 2021 Fine Art Auction.
To observe social distancing, the auction will be held online, Feb. 4-17.
The deadline to submit artwork is midnight on Nov. 15. Applications and accompanying photos must be submitted online at mckeefund.org.
Artists will be notified of acceptance by Dec. 1, 2020. The Anne McKee Artists Fund in its sole discretion, determines whether art submitted will be accepted for auction.
During the virtual bidding period, Feb. 4-17, The Studios of Key West will host an in-person gallery showing of accepted works for up-close and personal viewing. Bidding begins and ends on these dates, as these works will appear simultaneously on the online McKee Fund auction site.
The auction features original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more.
Each participating artist receives 50% of the proceeds from the sale of his or her work, while the McKee Fund receives the other half. The fund uses its portion of the proceeds to provide grants to other Keys artists for select projects.
“We’ve always loved bringing artists and art collectors together for an evening of live-auction fun,” said auction chair Roberta DePiero. “Due to our commitment to current social responsibilities our 2021 auction is taking an exciting new turn. … We’re hosting our auction online.”
The two-week online auction provides buyers more time to consider their bids, and artists get additional exposure for their works.
“Plus, folks who can’t be in Key West in February still get a chance to see and buy wonderful local art,” said DePiero.
The annual auction raises money for project-based grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. Founded by longtime Key West resident Anne McKee, the nonprofit fund has awarded more than $317,000 to Keys artists since 1994.Applications and information about the auction are at mckeefund.org.
