Vintage Print Pop-Up Raises Money for The Society of Bluffton Artists

Volunteers at The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) are thinking outside the box to recoup revenue their gallery and workshops lost due to COVID-19. The non-profit art organization in Old Town Bluffton will hold a “Vintage Print Pop-Up,” an online auction with nearly 100 rare and vintage prints from the 1950s-1980s — including limited edition pieces by LeRoy Neiman. 

The prints will exhibit Sept. 8-30  in the Featured Artist Room of the SOBA gallery. Bidding starts at 3 p.m. Sept. 9 and will last until 7 p.m. Sept. 30 online at https://bit.ly/SOBAauction. The artwork also will be available to purchase at a “buy now” price. The winning bids will be available for pick up Oct. 1-3  at the Center for Creative Arts, located next door to the art gallery on Church Street.

“This is a great opportunity to support a local business while having some Bluffton style fun,” said Mary Ann Burgeson, president of SOBA. “We are all tired of staying in and we hope this will be a safe outing to see a little art, have some refreshments and bid on some cool, old prints.”

The community can view the artwork in person during an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 19 at SOBA’s Center for Creative Arts and gallery in Old Town Bluffton. This event is free and open to the public. Visitors must wear masks and to spread out by walking outside and around the two buildings. Live music, a food truck and beer and wine will be available.

The body of work available for bid includes a private collection of vintage prints and posters from an anonymous donor.  The Great Frame-Up, a Bluffton frame shop, donated plastic sleeves for the prints. The proceeds from the auction will benefit SOBA’s continued mission to promote a stimulating community environment for the visual arts and to assist area students and artists in enhancing their artistic abilities. 

“We are grateful for all of the volunteers and donors who generously contributed to this event,” said Burgeson.