SFMOMA Artists Gallery : Fifteenth Annual Artists Warehouse Sale.

Comment by AB: According to the dossier, this warehouse sale is "bigger than ever" with prices as much as 50% off. My offical art appraiser question, of course, is 50% off what? Hey-- just kidding. Don't get all fluffed up. And nobody seems to care anyway 'cuz two separate venues-- one for paintings and sculpture, the other for prints and works on paper-- are overrun with bargain hunters, and crammed to the gills with art that's selling faster than rice at Costco. Sold pieces are replaced with fresh fodder almost immediately by a phalanx of dedicated staffers. But wait... I see where one piece of art is hustled off the wall like it's sold, and then replaced with a new selection, but it's not sold. Instead, it's returned to the stock room. When a dismayed shopper who thinks she missed her chance to buy asks about it, they trot it right back out. I suppose you do what you have to do to embellish the aura of brisk business, the endgame being to move max merchandise.

In other news, the affair makes for a rollicking frolic of an evening with bountiful banter, shoulder rubbing, hob nobbing, Cajun and Creole tunes, and all the complimentary wine you can drink (studies consistently show that drunk people buy more art). Highly recommended; don't miss next year's.

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