PENLAND BENEFIT AUCTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How late may I make reservations?
Reservations are accepted until the event is full. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. If the event is sold out, Absentee Bidding is available.
Can I get in without a reservation or at the last minute?
All events at the auction are ticketed, we are often unable to accommodate last minute reservations. Please contact Joan Glynn for inquiries, 336.558.8448.
Will I receive a paper ticket in the mail?
There are no paper tickets. A receipt for your ticket purchase will be mailed to you along with your catalog prior to the event. You will receive a bid number when you check in at the Pines Porch upon arrival.
Where can I stay in the area?
Many of our guests stay in Asheville or at Little Switzerland. There are also local listings on http://toeriverarts.org/the-journey/accommodations/, Vrbo, and Airbnb.
May I order a meal for a special diet?
We’re sorry, special diet requests cannot be accommodated, but vegetarian, gluten free and garlic free selections will be available at every meal.
What do I need to wear or bring?
There is no air conditioning and the weather will be warm during the day and cool at night; be prepared for rain. Appropriate dress is anything you like. Comfortable shoes, clothes, a jacket and an umbrella are important.
Where do I park?
Volunteers and signs will direct you to designated parking areas. A shuttle van will take you to and from the main pick-up/drop-off site at the registration area and golf carts can assist you with transportation between events, if needed.
What about accessible parking?
Parking attendants will give you a map that highlights accessible parking areas. Please ask them to have the golf cart driver follow you to your parking space and they will take you where you need to go. They can also assist you with transportation between events – just let the golf cart driver know.
How do I get around campus once I’m there?
Shuttles run regularly from the parking area to the main pick-up/drop-off site at registration. The shuttles also run to Coffee at the Barns on Saturday morning. The golf cart driver can assist those with disabilities; please notify the parking attendants and shuttle drivers when you arrive.
Are all events accessible?
All buildings used during the auction are accessible. The tent is most easily accessed from the Pines Walk that starts at the Lily Loom or from the behind the Pines. Please let the parking attendants/shuttle drivers know if you have special access needs and we will work with you to make your time here as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Where and when do I check-in?
The check-in table is Located on the front interior porch of the Pines and is open Friday from 1pm until 5:00pm and Saturday from 8:30am until 12:30pm. Guests arriving Friday for the Director’s Luncheon may check in beginning at 11:00am (the Director’s Luncheon is an invitation only event).
Are specific seats assigned for the event?
All guests are assigned to specific tables, individual seats at the table are not assigned. Please include seating preference requests when you register.
May I reserve an entire table?
You may do so, but only if all reservations are made and paid for at the same time or individual reservations and payments clearly indicate the same “host name” for a table.
When will I receive the auction catalogue?
Your copy of the catalogue will be mailed to you prior to the event. If you are attending the on-campus events please remember to bring it with you. If you make your reservation less than two weeks prior to the on-campus events you will receive your catalogue at check-in upon arrival.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash, check, American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. There will be an express checkout line at the payment table on both Friday and Saturday. Those who wish to pre-swipe their credit card at the registration table for all auction purchases made during the weekend will be eligible to go through the express checkout line. **Please note: our Core Fellows cannot take credit card payments, they can only accept cash, check, Venmo, and Paypal. Please plan accordingly and thank you for supporting these emerging artists!!
Is sales tax included?
No sales tax is charged for Penland Benefit Auction purchases.
When do I pay for my purchases?
You may pay for your purchases at check out. For guests with purchases who are attending Friday Only, you may check out in the Northlight Social Hall from 6:30pm-7:30pm and work can be picked up in the Paper Studio from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Saturday Only and Weekend ticket holders may check out at the end of the auction on Saturday. A receipt will be provided to take to the Dye Shed to pick up your purchases. You may arrange for shipping at the payment table, located at the Pines. Absentee winners will be contacted the Monday following the event.
Can I have my purchases shipped?
Yes, though some items cannot be shipped due to fragility, size or weight. Those are marked as such in the catalog. There is an additional charge for shipping. Shipping is handled at the payment desk. Purchasers are asked to fill out a shipping form and to leave a credit card number to which shipping can be charged once the shipping fees are determined. You will receive a call to approve shipping charges that exceed $100 before your items are shipped. A $25 handling fee and a materials charge will apply for each piece. Other items require crating and freight delivery; minimum cost of a crate is $150 plus the cost of freight service. These items are so marked in the catalog.
Are my ticket and art purchases a contribution toward Penland and how are these funds used?
All proceeds from the Benefit Auction are used to support the programs of Penland School, including all studios, scholarships, studio assistants, community programs, kids camps, gardens and grounds, etc. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible. Refer to your receipt for the tax deductible amount. The purchase price of artwork is not tax deductible unless it exceeds the stated retail value of the work. In that case, only the difference between the retail value and your purchase price is deductible for income tax purposes. The tax deductible portion, if any, will be stated on your receipt.
Will the represented artists be at the auction?
All the artists who contribute work to the auction are invited to attend and many of them do, depending on their schedules. This year we are holding a festive cocktail party and exhibition of art work to celebrate the artists Friday evening.
Can I bid without attending?
Yes. Absentee bidding is available, you may purchase a ticket to absentee bid at penland.og/auction. All absentee bids must be placed by noon on Friday, August 23. You will be notified if you are the successful bidder on Monday, August 26. You will be invoiced for the purchase and shipping for your purchase at that time. Contact us with absentee and phone bidding questions and to make arrangements at: 828-765-2359 x 1308, fax: 828-765-7389, bidding@penland.org.
How can I find out more information about the Benefit Auction?
Check out the Penland Benefit Auction webpage, contact us at 828-765-2354 or email us auction@penland.org.