Hi Drew, I think that the term 'limited' is because there will be no more, so if your offering an open edition to the same image, this basically contradicts your limited edition. Doing fund raisers for your community is terrific as long as there is compensation.
I disagree that Artists should constantly be handing out freebies, and feel that at least a small percentage should be set aside to pay the Artist for their effort.
My suggestion is to put the original piece up for auction, donating only half the proceeds, and also set a reserve, so that if someone only bids 2 dollars your not out a painting.
Put up 100 limited editions, no other editions.
Someguy is right on playing the game, you are in a game, be it one that is generous and helpful towards your community or one that is in direct sales with the public. The game does not last very long if you continue to give away your talent, people will always appreciate it, but you will burn out fairly quickly.
I am also of the frame of mind now that donated pieces should always be compensated, even if just for the paint and canvas. I have worked with many many Artists over the years, some famous some not, and all of them have gone the route of donating painting to gain them further recognition. All that happens is someone takes home your painting because they either won it, or purchased it through auction and all proceeds going to a cause.(and yes, I have done the same) The purpose for donating is often lost in the process.
I once had a good friend of mine, and well established artist, donate a piece for auction, where the entire proceeds went to a fund raiser. She cried as the piece went for only $150.00 and it was worth a fair bit more then that. She gained zero from donating it, and the tiny dent she made to the fund raiser just did not seem to balance the 50 hours of work she had put into it.
I later found it in a private run thrift store, who was asking $250 ...and their funds went back to the thrift store owner's pocket, and it was still underpriced.
I have seen this time and time again, and to what end?
If you respect your work, demand that others do as well, donate the image if you like, but get the highest value that you are able to for your cause. Doing the open/closed print editions you have in mind will probably not generate the funds that your wanting to see happen for your community, so be very careful before playing the donation game. I strongly suggest no cheap buy on your work, you already have people willing to sell these for you, and if it is to go to a good cause, then only having 100 limited editions for a decent price will bring in far more then any other method.
But that's just my take on it all
Barb:-)
Barb Niles Original Works of Art
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