HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
May 24, 2006 I want to make the public aware of a recent local art scam my husband and I fell prey to. The Wayne Art Association of Wayne, New Jersey, advertised that its “3rd Annual Open Juried Art Exhibition” was free. It was not free. Each entrant was charged $25. It also kept the money from over 40 entrants whose works were rejected by the organization. Nowhere in its prospectus did it state that the money would be kept by the organization if the work was rejected. Reputable organizations always clearly state on the prospectus and agreement whether or not the entry fee is refundable or non-refundable. It is clearly unethical that this organization could expect to keep money from those artists who have been excluded from the show and jury. The WAA Chair Diane Neglio, Co-Chair Michael Malzone, and President Theresa Quirk all refused to accept responsibility in their lack of providing the public with this important information on their propaganda and stated it was their “right to keep the money from people whose works were rejected from the show”. To them, I say I will see you in court. What was printed is legally binding in a court of law. I would also advise them to choose someone with a higher level of experience and clarity when organizing a future show. To the public, I say, please be aware. If you have a question about whether or not your fee will be refunded in the event of a rejection, ask before you pay. Then, get it in writing. If you have been a victim of a scam, do not suffer in silence. Report the matter to the police department in the area where the scam occurred and to the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org. I offer this advice to the readers of www.uselessknowledge.com because too often we artists and writers fall prey to such contests that take money from the struggling. They prey upon the hope that the submitting artists and writers have that they might be included in the event and think that most rejectees will simply accept their fate and walk away with their backs hunched and their heads held low. Please do not do that! Yes, it takes time and effort and sometimes money to stand up for our rights; however, if we just allow our rights to be taken away, what will we be left with? If nothing else, you can at least take some measure of comfort in knowing that your efforts to stand up for the right thing will have inconvenienced those predators to some degree. Always remember, it is never the wrong time to do the right thing. ------------ About the author: Christine McGuigan Bruness is a published author and artist. She is a lover of cats, a supporter of environmental rights, and a believer in free thinking. Her book Imbalance, An Experimental Collection of Micro Stories and Poetry, can be purchased directly from the author. Email: chatnoir@comcast.net Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
