The annual NAA Art Auction is the single largest fundraising event of our year, raising one-third of our annual income in one night! It helps to keep the NAA running and serving its mission of making art accessible to all in our community. Last year, we had a full house of competitive bidders, and we expect to see the same this year. It takes a small village to pull off an event like this, and we are seeking support from some amazing volunteers!
Any questions? Ask auction@newburyportart.org
What sorts of volunteer opportunities are there?
Below you will find a brief overview. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, and you may be asked to assist with additional tasks if needed. Let us know your preferences and we will try match you according to your perference or greatest need.
- Art Runner - A convoy of art runners will walk the artwork in front of the live audience during the bidding process. Runners should be comfortable handling artwork and carrying artwork up and down a set of three stairs.
- Artwork packing - When an auction "lot" is sold, it needs to be securely and safely wrapped and packaged so it can leave with the buyer. This can be a fast-paced role ideal for an organized person who is able to keep track of multipe items and artworks.
- Barback - Assisting the bartenders by restocking bevergaes and ice as needed. Barback should be able to carry bag(s) of ice up and down wooden basement stairs. There will be two bars at the event.
- General clean/tidy during event - It's a great party, but even great parties need a little on-the-go clean up.
- Guest registration* - This requires a high level of tech savviness, using NAA computers and/or iPads to get auction-goers checked in and ready to bid!
- Guest checkout* - Similar to guest registration, guest checkout requires a high level of tech savviness, using computers and/or iPads (supplied by the NAA).
- Physical setup - There are different setup components, but largely involve tables & chairs, as well as packaging material and potenitally artwork. Volunteers are needed for various stages of physical setup, some taking place before auction day, and some taking place the day of.
- Physical breakdown - Typically a bit later in the evening, this will largely consist of breaking down tables and chairs, as well as doing some light cleanup to ensure trash goes into the appropriate receptacles, etc.
- Silent auction monitors - Volunteers will make regular rounds to review the status and validity of silent auction bids. This means ensuring that bids meet the minimum raise requirement and that entries are legible.
- Sound/Lighting - Volunteer tasks will depend on the familiarity with sound and/or lighting equipment. Duties may include assisting with the setup and/or breakdown. Another possibility is monitoring volume levels and making necessary adjustments on the sound mixer.
*Please note; volunteers interested in guest registration, and guest check-out should have strong computer skills
When will you be needed?
For all volunteers -- The auction will be held on September 21st in the evening, but certain volunteer categories may be asked to arrive earlier. Individual call times will vary, depending on the tasks/duties assigned. In some cases, volunteers will be asked to stay through the end of the event, which can run late into the night.
In addition to the Auction on the 21st, there will be a rehearsal/training session -- date/time to be determined based on volunteer availability. This will likely take place sometime during the week leading up to the Auction. A safe bet is Friday evening, September 20th.