Bidding Information

Sixth Biennial Vesterheim Benefit Auction

Auction viewing dates from October 8 - 21, 2010

Click here to for a Bidder Registration Form in a PDF format

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is hosting its sixth biennial Benefit Auction to raise money for Vesterheim’s folk-art education programs. Some of the nation’s best folk artists have generously donated one-of-a-kind pieces to be auctioned. There will be both silent-auction and live-auction pieces. These pieces will be on view in the Hauge Gallery of Vesterheim’s Westby-Torgerson Education Center (WTEC), 502 West Water Street, Decorah, Iowa, from October 8 thru 21, 2010. The WTEC is open from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Individuals may bid on pieces in both the live auction and silent auction in person or from home. The items may be viewed on-line at this site beginning October 8.

How To Bid

General Bidding Information

Individuals must register for a bidder registration number. Silent bidding is from October 8 at 1:00 p.m. through October 21 at 9:00 a.m. Individuals may bid on all pieces in the exhibition, whether designated silent auction or live auction, during this time. Bidding begins at the starting bid established by the artist or donor. All new bids must be at least $10 more than the current bid.

If individuals cannot attend the live auction on Oct. 22, but wish to bid by phone during the live auction, it is important that they get their bidder registration number beforehand. For live auction pieces, the Vesterheim staff managing the bids will call the first three bidder registration numbers that have indicated they wish to be called about a final bid. A limited number of proxy bidders equipped with cell phones will be assigned to manage bidding on silent auction items.

Bidding in person for silent auction pieces resumes at 7:00 p.m. on October 22 in the Steyer Opera House of the Hotel Winneshiek. Phone and live bidding for the live auction pieces begins after 8:00 p.m.

From October 8 at 1:00 p.m. through October 21 at 5:00 p.m., checking the current bid amount may be done by visiting Vesterheim’s website, or by checking with the exhibition host in the Hauge Gallery.

Bidding at Vesterheim

Individuals may view the auction items in the Hauge Gallery. The exhibition host will have bidder registration forms at the front desk in the gallery. Individuals will receive a bidder number once they register. Then, each time individuals wish to bid, they are to use a bidding sheet available at the front desk in the gallery. The current bids also will be available at the front desk. Individuals should leave completed bid forms with the exhibition host. On the night of the auction, there will be bidding sheets next to the silent auction items where individuals may enter their bidder number and bids directly. For the live auction individuals must have a bidder registration number to receive a numbered card for bidding.

Bidding from Home

Vesterheim’s website, vesterheim.org, includes the auction items and information with an image of each piece, current bid price, designation as silent or live auction, and shipping restrictions if applicable. An online bidder registration form may be printed, or individuals may request bidder registration forms by calling Martha Griesheimer at Vesterheim at 563-382-9681, or e-mailing her at mgriesheimer@vesterheim.org. Complete the form and mail to Vesterheim Museum, PO Box 379, Decorah, IA 52101 or fax it to 563-382-8828. Registration forms cannot be accepted by e-mail because registrant’s signature is required.

Initial bids for live-auction or silent-auction items may be designated on the bidder registration form. Individuals with a bidder registration number may check the current bidding price on-line at any time and submit bids as often as they wish, by phone, fax, or e-mail. All bids by fax or e-mail must be placed so that they arrive by October 21 at 9:00 a.m. Vesterheim is not responsible for letters, faxes, or e-mails that do not arrive by the deadline.

In order to bid from home on October 22, individuals must indicate on their bidder registration form the live and silent auction pieces they wish to be contacted about and provide a phone number to call that night. Vesterheim staff will call the first three individuals who have indicated an interest in live auction pieces during the time that piece is being auctioned. Calls related to the silent auction pieces will be assigned to proxy bidders, as available, to represent you on the floor. Proxy bidders will call you with the current bid on the piece you have indicated and place bids as you direct. Individuals may also indicate on their registration form the highest amount they are willing to pay for an auction item, and the auctioneer or proxy bidder can increase the bid in $10 increments up to your maximum. Individuals must give a specific amount—no “I’ll top the highest bidder” bids allowed. Vesterheim is not responsible for wrong numbers, unanswered calls, or busy signals.

Winning Bidder Notification

Successful bidders at the October 22 event will see their bidder number and name posted next to the silent auction items at the end of the evening. Individuals not present the night of the auction will be notified by Vesterheim staff by phone or email after October 25 to arrange payment and schedule the delivery of your pieces.

Shipping or Delivery Options

1. Individuals present at the auction may take their pieces home with them.
2. Most pieces can be shipped to you. You are responsible for the cost of packing and shipping the item. Shipping and handling charges are indicated for each item on the web site and at the exhibition. Some items cannot be shipped through our mail-order center because they are too fragile, bulky, etc. The winning bidder is ultimately responsible for getting these pieces, but Vesterheim staff is willing to assist in making alternate arrangements for shipping these special items. The winning bidder is responsible for all charges incurred. Payment for all items and shipping must be received before items will be shipped.
3. Individuals may make arrangements with Vesterheim staff to pick up their pieces in person in a timely manner during regular business hours at the Westby-Torgerson Education Center.

Payment

Payment is by cash, check made out to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA.) Payment and shipping arrangements will be made when individuals are notified that they were a successful bidder. Payment must be received before items will be shipped. Individuals are obligated to pay for all items for which they are the highest bidder.

Donation Credit For Purchase

This auction is a success because of the generosity of the artists, the donors, and the bidders. Donation credit in Vesterheim’s records is therefore split between them. The artists are responsible for setting the minimum bid price, and that is the amount of in-kind credit they receive in their donor record. Bidders will receive donation credit for the amount they pay above the minimum bid price. Deductions for tax purposes are determined by IRS rules and regulations and should be discussed with your tax advisor.

Vesterheim is truly grateful for the generous support of Vesterheim’s Folk-Art Education Program. Over the years, the Benefit Auctions have been a successful source of fund raising for the museum’s Education Program.

For Additional Questions

Contact Martha Griesheimer at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, PO Box 379, Decorah, IA 52101, phone 563-382-9681, or e-mail mgriesheimer@vesterheim.org.