Auctions are very, very strange things.

When someone talks about sensory overload, you think of something like Times Square in New York or maybe being in the heart of Tokyo or the Las Vegas strip.

It's when you're so overwhelmed with information you want to shrink or throw up just to gather yourself.

Did I shrink or reproduce my breakfast? Only this week's podcast will tell.

At an art auction it all starts with the auctioneer – made famous by the rapid fire voice that is often lampooned and imitated – calling the shots.

But you've got all these beautiful works of art around you in various sizes, mediums and traditions.

Combine that with the quick–pace, no–time–for–second–guessing bidding, and you start to see why someone might need a drink to ward off passing out.

Last week I attended the annual MECA art auction for the first time and decided to make a show of it. (A podcast that is, not a spectacle of myself ... although I do that regularly)

In last Friday's blog you may remember my thoughts:

So I was only half right about that. You could pick up something to spruce up your place, and you could take comfort in the fact that you'd be helping students come to MECA.

That "non-insane price" part. Not so much.

Granted, there was a silent auction where pieces went for prices lower than a month's rent or heating bill. But in the real meat of the evening, the live auction, the prices went from a couple hundred to over $4,000.

Whoa.

Like I said before, it's a lot to take in, but a lot of fun too. I certainly don't have the money to get in on that action, but if you do, auctions can be about as competitive as any bloodsport.

Still, the bottom line is support for the arts, and between the student art, alumni work and pieces from people in the community, there was a lot to display, and by the end of the night all of it had been claimed. If that's not tangible support for the arts, I don't know what is.

A funny side note: While watching the action, Jessica Tomlinson, MECA's spokesperson and resident fashionista, had an interesting observation.

When you think about it, what gets auctioned? Livestock, art, and people. To which I added - "cars seized by the police."

So there you go.

Thanks again to everyone at MECA and all the artists I interviewed. Thanks also goes to the band Slowing Room for the music in this week's show. Bands, musicians and DJs – we are always looking for new music to showcase in the podcast. Please Posted by at 11:08 AM