Auction Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park?
Volunteers and signs will direct you to designated parking areas near the entrance of the school. A shuttle van will take you to the main pick-up/drop-off site at the registration area.
What about handicapped parking?
Please call Kate Boyd at 828-765-2359 ext. 45 to make special arrangements.
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 the Barns for Coffee on Saturday morning. The golf cart can be made available for those with disabilities, please call Kate Boyd at 828-765-2359 ext. 45 to make special arrangements or notify the shuttle driver when you arrive.
Where and when do I register?
The registration table is under a small tent behind The Pines Dining Hall. Registration is open Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Where can I stay in the area?
An accommodation list accompanies the invitation. An additional housing list is available through the main office and here.
May I order a meal for a special diet?
We’re sorry, special diet requests cannot be accommodated, but vegetarian selections will be available at every meal.
Are all events handicapped accessible?
All buildings used during the auction are accessible. Northlight does have some handicapped parking and an entry ramp on the east side. The tent is most easily accessed from the Pines Walk with parking at the Lily Loom Building. It is best to let us know if you have special access needs and we will work with you to make your time here as easy and enjoyable as possible.
How late may I make reservations?
Reservations are accepted until the event is full. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. We suggest you make your reservations early, as the event has been sold out the past few years.
Can I get in without a reservation or at the last minute?
Because we must let our caterer know how many attendees to plan for, we cannot accommodate a lot of last minute reservations. If you decide at the last minute you would like to attend any of the auction events, please call us until 4:00 p.m. on Friday August 8 to determine if we can accommodate additional attendees. Call 828-765-2359 ext. 45, ext. 43, or ext. 14.
What do I need to wear or bring?
The weather will be warm during the day and cool at night; be prepared for rain. The exhibition space does not have air conditioning, but the tent is air conditioned and it can be cool. Appropriate dress is anything you like. Comfortable shoes, clothes, a jacket and an umbrella are important.
Are specific seats assigned for Friday night?
No, seating is provided but there are no assigned seats for the Friday night auction.
Are specific seats assigned for Saturday afternoon?
All guests are assigned to a specific table which seats ten people. Individual seats at the table are not assigned.
May I reserve an entire table?
You may do so for the Saturday auction, 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 in late July. Please remember to bring it with you. If you make your reservation after August 1st you will receive your catalogue when you arrive. There is an online catalog available here.
Where do I get my bid number?
You will receive a bid number and other materials about Penland and the surrounding area in your registration packet when you arrive and check in at the registration tent.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash, check, American Express, MasterCard, Visa. Sorry, we cannot accept Discover cards.
Is sales tax included?
No sales tax is charged for benefit auction purchases.
When do I pay for my purchases?
You pay for your purchases at the end of the auction on Saturday if you are staying both days. You will be given a receipt to take to the Dye Shed to pick up your purchases. If you are only attending on Friday, you will pay after the Friday auction and pick up your purchases at the Letterpress/Print Studio. You may arrange for shipping at the payment desk.
Can I have my purchases shipped?
Yes, 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 clear shipping charges before your items are shipped. A $20 handling fee and a materials charge will apply for each piece. Some items cannot be shipped due to fragility, size or weight. 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 and in the online catalog.
Are my ticket price and art purchase costs a contribution to Penland and how are these funds used?
All proceeds from the Benefit Auction are used to support the programs of Penland School, including scholarships, studio needs, the Resident Artist Program and the Core Fellowship Program. One half of the ticket price is tax deductible. The purchase price of a work of art is not 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.
Can volunteers bid on art?
Yes. Volunteers are welcome to get a bid number at the registration desk at no charge. However, we ask that volunteers stand at the rear or end of the tent. All seats at tables are reserved for guests.
Can I bid without attending?
Yes. You may pay a $25 fee for an absentee bid number. All absentee bids must be placed by noon on Friday, August 8th. You will be notified if you are the successful bidder on Monday, August 11th. You will be invoiced for the purchase and shipping for your purchase at that time. Contact Helen Purdum with absentee and phone bidding questions and to make arrangements: phone: 828-252-6449, fax: 828-765-7389, helenpurdum@yahoo.com.
How can I find out more information about the Benefit Auction?
Contact Kate Boyd at 828-765-2359 ext 45, auction@penland.org.