The annual Ocrafolk Festival kicks off each year with a fun and fabulous live auction to raise money for the non-profit festival. The auction has always depended on the generosity of artists who've donated their work, but this year the festival's organizers are seeking to share the wealth with the artists. 

"The artists will get half the money," said festival director David Tweedie. "We hope to get more donations, especially from local artists." Ocracoke artists can see this as an opportunity for a big audience to see their work, and they get to make some cash, too. It's a win-win!

David says he expects that this new policy will change the vibe of the auction and the caliber of art on offer; he also thinks the festival will make a little less money for their coffers, but it will be worth it to help the artists also benefit from the event. 

The new 50/50 Art Auction is just one of several interesting changes coming with the 2016 Ocrafolk Festival. It's time to shake things up a bit. Of course, festival goers can expect the same great music and storytelling and good times that they love about the festival. Stay tuned for more news! 

Here's the auction information from Ocracoke Alive:

For this year's Ocrafolk Auction, we are changing our format to split proceeds from each auctioned piece 50/50  with the donating artist. Hope you will join us! If you are interested in donating a piece of your work, please contact David Tweedie at info@ocracokealive.org.

Auction Details
1. The Ocrafolk Festival 50/50 Art Auction will be held on Friday, June 3rd at the Berkley Manor (tentative). It is a great way to kick off a fabulous Ocrafolk weekend!
2. The Silent Auction and Live Auction Preview will be from 4:30-6:30 PM.
3. The auction will start promptly at 7:00 PM. Artwork offered will be also be previewed on this webpage.
4. We are also planning to accept some bids online before the auction begins. Details TBA

Donating artists
1. How do I join the auction? 
Please contact us at any point up to May 15 if you would like to participate. (Don't hesitate to contact us after this date, but we are trying to have all the pieces posted online two weeks before the event). We will email or send you a form to fill out, to make sure that we have all of your contact information and details.
2. What do we need from you ahead of time? 
Email a photo of your work to info@ocracokealive.org so that we can post it online and stir up excitement for folks to bid on your piece!
3. How to get your work to Ocracoke Alive. 
There are three ways to get your artwork to us. 
(a) Bring it to Ocracoke Alive's Deepwater Theater on Ocracoke (School Road. Contact:David Tweedie, info@ocracokealive.org or 252-921-0260), and 
(b) Bring it to The Indiantown Gallery in Frisco on Hatteras Island. Contact: April Trueblood, (252) 995-5181. 
(c) Ship it to us! Shipping Address: You may send pieces via USPS (PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960) or Fed Ex or UPS (46 Lawton Ln, Ocracoke, NC 27960).
(d) Please let us know if you are coming for the festival weekend, and are going to have to bring your piece with you.
4. Where will my piece be placed, Silent or Live Auction?
It is up to the auction coordinators to decide where your piece will be showcased.  There are advantages to both the Silent and Live Auction Formats.
5. Can I place a minimum on my work? Although most of our pieces do not have minimums, it can sometimes be helpful to let us know if there is a price range. At the Ocrafolk Festival Auction, bids generally range between $50 and $800.
6. When will I receive my portion of the auction of my piece?
Ocracoke Alive will mail out payments during the week following the festival.
7. Can I donate all of the proceeds from the auction of my piece to the festival?
Yes! Just let us know!

Thank you for participating and supporting the festival!
Let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Ocracoke Alive & the Ocrafolk Festival