ISSUED: 20 November 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A Shepherd University Aesthetics and Art Criticism class will put on an elaborate role-playing game designed to mimic the economic mechanisms of the larger art world. Faux Show is an art sale and auction that lets guests win and spend fake money on real works of art by Shepherd students. The event, which will take place Monday, December 2, in the Marinoff Theater, is open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7:45 p.m.
When guests arrive, they will spin a wheel to win a sum of fake money, or faux dough, to use to purchase art directly, or to bid on larger items in an auction. Guests will be able to pay $5 for additional chances to spin for more faux dough, which can be used to purchase art pieces and experiences at the event. Students imitating the work and likenesses of art world megastars will have original paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures available for sale and auction.
Eight of the students will imitate the personas and art-making practices of several art world megastars. Another four students are taking on the role of art dealers. One student is the director, and her role mimics that of a major auction house.
“The goal is to give students a close-up experience in microcosm about how the economy of the ultra-high-end art world functions,” said Evan Boggess, lecturer of art and course instructor. “The students will draw up contracts between artists and dealers. Dealers will develop targeted advertising campaigns to promote their artists for a commission. Both parties will coordinate with the director to structure the entire event. Each student is competing to make the most money from the Faux Show.”
All work sold with faux dough will leave with the guests that evening. All real money collected from the show will be awarded to students in the form of art supplies.
“Hopefully, guests will learn about some of the major players in the contemporary art market and play a supporting role in this instructive game,” Boggess said.
For more information, contact Boggess at eboggess@shepherd.edu.
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