The annual art sale “Under $2500” organized by Maryland Art Place is revolutionizing the way residents of Baltimore explore and collect art. This initiative is thoughtfully designed to make art more accessible, showcasing the work of established artists at budget-friendly prices for collectors.
The event features a live exhibition on November 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., along with a virtual sale running from November 22 to November 28.
Amy Cavanaugh, the Executive Director of Maryland Art Place, shares that the event began 13 years ago when board member Todd Harvey proposed the idea. It quickly gained traction, she noted, as discussions focused on encouraging the community to opt for original artwork as holiday gifts rather than commercial offerings.
“What better gift could you give than a one-of-a-kind piece of art?” Cavanaugh remarked.
The sale originally started as an “Under $500” event, where the Maryland Art Place staff were pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
“It was an incredible success in its inaugural year. We sold out and quickly realized that we didn’t have enough art available,” Cavanaugh explained. “We committed to expanding and continued until we reached our current state.”
Last year, MAP changed the sale’s scope to “Under $2500” in response to inflation and overall rising costs. Since this adjustment, Exhibition Director Caitlin Gill noted that they have seen a surge in submissions, as many artists have works that fall within this new price range.
Both Gill and Cavanaugh emphasized that this price adjustment has enabled them to better support a wider array of artists and their unique needs.
“Artists face significant material costs, and that’s where we align with our mission. We aim to advocate for the artists’ needs and help the public recognize the true value of their work,” Cavanaugh stated.
Gill and Cavanaugh mentioned that sales proceeds are shared equally, split 50/50, between Maryland Art Place and the participating artists.
For this exhibition, MAP extended invitations to artists and also held an open juried call for submissions.
Joan Cox, an artist from Baltimore, was selected to participate. She has recently returned to creating watercolor monotype prints, allowing her to offer more affordable art pieces for sale.
“Typically, I lack a dedicated sales platform. This sales-focused exhibition provides an extra incentive that encourages actual sales, which doesn’t frequently occur for most artists,” Cox shared.
Baltimore artist Kristin Fuller submitted her two 36-inch by 36-inch oil paintings from 2017. Fuller hopes the exhibition will inspire purchases, but she recognizes that the event represents much more than that.
“The exposure is invaluable, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate sales. It fosters connections, which is essential for my artistic journey,” Fuller explained.
Cavanaugh highlighted how this event has effectively opened doors for newcomers interested in art collecting.
“We genuinely wish to engage individuals who may have never considered purchasing art, helping to alleviate any reservations they may have. Our goal is to entice them, allowing them to explore,” she elaborated.
Gill described their efforts as “demystifying the art-buying experience.” She highlighted that buying art is a deeply personal investment. Maryland Art Place aims to inspire collectors not only because the artwork is exceptional, but also because it deeply resonates with them.
“It’s all about providing the chance to truly connect with creatives. We encourage curiosity and engagement,” she concluded.
