Spotlight Auction FAQs 

The 2020 Spotlight Auction is now virtual!

The Spotlight Auction is an annual event that takes place at every SAQA conference. Donated pieces are sold through a silent auction at the conference banquet. But now it's gone virtual!

We have 266 pieces of beautiful artwork donated by SAQA members from around the world. All pieces submitted to the auction are available for bidding online and EVERYONE can participate (including non-SAQA members).

You will want to set up your BiddingOwl account early - it requires an email verification process that may be delayed with some email providers.

Each piece is approximately 6" x 8" in size and mounted on an 8" x 10" mat with a 4.5" x 6.5” opening. Note that the digital image may vary slightly from the actual artwork you receive.

The auction will open for bidding for all pieces on Thursday, March 19 at 7pm EDT (GMT-4). The opening bid for each piece is $20 with $10 bidding increments. Bidders also have the ability to enter a Maximum Bid (which is only seen by you).

All the pieces have been divided up into 8 Tables. Each table has a different ending time. Tables 1-4 will close every 30 minutes between 7:30-9pm Friday March 20 and Tables 5-8 will close between 7:30-9pm Saturday March 21.

Friday March 20

Table 1: Ends 7:30PM EDT
Table 2: Ends 8:00PM EDT
Table 3: Ends 8:30PM EDT
Table 4: Ends 9:00PM EDT

SATURday March 21

Table 5: Ends 7:30PM EDT
Table 6: Ends 8:00PM EDT
Table 7: Ends 8:30PM EDT
Table 8: Ends 9:00PM EDT

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Where can I see all the auction pieces?

All the auction pieces can be viewed on BiddingOwl. You can view all 266 items in a group or select a specific table by clicking on VIEW ITEMS on the upper left. You can also use the search tool to find a particular artist or title.

By default, pieces are displayed in Item# order. You can view in grid or list format (bottom left) or select a different sort order (ending soonest, high to low, low to high). 

Clicking on an item will bring up a Detail page with additional information for each piece, including the highest bid and a bidding countdown. Once the auction open, you will be able to place a Bid.

How do I register for Bidding?

Once the auction opens on Thursday at 7pm EDT, you will be able to place a bid on any piece. If this is your first bid, you will need to create a BiddingOwl account. You can also create an account ahead of time by clicking Register on the top right. 

During the registration process you will be prompted to enter your contact information. Note that cell number is a required field - if you don't have one (or don't want to be texted when you are outbid) just enter your home phone number.

After completing your profile, you will receive an email to verify you (check your spam). You must do this to activate your account!

If you do not receive the verification email within 15 minutes (and you checked your spam), you may wish to try an alternative email address or contact BiddingOwl directly at [email protected]. Sometimes these types of email do end up in spam or are delayed – you may want to add biddingowl.com to your list of approved contacts. 

Once you are logged in, you can access various functions under the My Account heading (including your winning and current bids).

How much is Shipping?

Shipping costs are NOT included in the price of the piece. The fee will depend on how many pieces you have won. If you are planning on bidding on other items, please wait until the end of the auction to check out and pay.

All Canadian winners will have their pieces mailed from Canada. All other winners will have their pieces mailed from the US. Please note that shipping will be delayed due to the coronavirus situation. Your patience is appreciated.

Shipping is calculated as follows:

• Shipping to US/Canada - $15 USD for up to 5 pieces / $30 for 6-10 pieces/ FREE for 11+ pieces
• Shipping outside US/Canada - $30 USD for up to 5 pieces.  

You will need to ADD the shipping fee before checking out. Read details below.

I won a piece! How do I check out?

Once the bidding is over, winning bidders will also receive automatic email notifications with instructions on how to check out. If you are bidding on multiple pieces, Please wait until all the tables close before starting the check out process.

Below is an example of what the checkout screen looks like:

You will need to add shipping costs to your cart before checking out.

These fees are available under the "Fund-a-Need" section on View Options or via the link below:

Shipping Fees

If you have won a total of 1-5 pieces, you still enter a quantity of 1. Do NOT enter the number of pieces you won in the quantity field.

If you have won more than 5 pieces, you can enter a quantity of 2 (doubles the shipping costs) or contact us directly to make other arrangements. 

Once the shipping fee is added, you are now ready to complete your transaction. Just click on one of the shopping cart icons in your cart below.

Payments are processed through Paypal where you can pay using a credit card, Paypal, or bank account. If you have difficulties with your payment, please contact us at [email protected] or use our online payment form at www.saqa.com/payment. Just enter the appropriate total and make a note that it's for the Spotlight Auction

If you had a credit from your conference registration, you still need to complete the checkout process and make a payment. However, we will be able to refund a portion of this transaction.

I entered a wrong bid - how can this be changed?

If you accidentally entered a wrong bid, please contact us at [email protected]. We may be able to make changes on our end. However, we cannot adjust ANY BIDS that are placed in the last hour of bidding. So bid carefully as all sales are final! 

Auction Terms and Conditions 

This auction is being administered by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. ("SAQA"). All sales are final. The risk of loss shall pass to purchaser upon shipment. SAQA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, and hereby disclaims all warranties except the warranty of title. SAQA disclaims the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

In the case of any dispute concerning who is the winning bidder, SAQA shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine the winning bidder. All decisions concerning the conduct of, and terms and conditions of the auction shall be made by SAQA at SAQA's sole and absolute discretion. SAQA hereby reserves the right to withdraw artwork from the auction.

Submission of a bid constitutes the bidder's agreement (a) to make prompt payment in the event he or she is the successful bidder, and (b) to all terms and conditions hereof and as may be modified from time to time. The proceeds of the auction will benefit SAQA, an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) corporation. All prices and bids shall be in U.S. Dollars.

Other questions? Please email us at [email protected].