Broadway Flea Market - United Scenic Artists, Local 829 Profile and Preview -
Broadway Flea Market Profile and PreviewUnited Scenic Artists, Local 829 Profile and Preview
For many Broadway Flea Market aficionados, the trip to Shubert Alley usually starts with The United Scenic Artists, Local 829 (USA829) table. Here, original museum quality artwork and award winning designs, rarely available to the public - is available for purchase. A staple of the Broadway Flea Market throughout most of its history, the USA829 table consistently holds the Flea Market record each year for largest sum of money raised at any one organization’s table. Last year, the USA829 table raised a record $23,000 for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS beating out the previous record of $16,923 set by … you guessed it – The United Scenic Artists, Local 829. Table producer Gail Fuller credits the ongoing success of USA829's table to the generosity of union members who year after year donate their work from Broadway, Regional Theater and Television to help BC/EFA.
According to USA829 table producer Gail Fuller, the process of gathering the collection for each year’s table involves many and takes several weeks.
“Donated artwork starts arriving at the Union’s office weeks before the Flea Market each year. On the Friday before the Flea Market, a group of members gather to determine prices for each piece of art. Obviously, the Broadway designs are prices are highest. Placing a value on a donated piece of art is extremely difficult: prices range from $10 to as high as $4,250.”
A RARE PREVIEW HIGHLIGHT OF SOME OF THIS YEAR'S ITEMS
In recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the Flea Market, Gail Fuller let us in on a few of the items we can expect to see in Shubert Alley this Sunday.
An Original Costume Sketch by Florence Klotz from her Tony Award winning design from " A Little Night Music"
Original Costume sketches from Gregg Barnes’ Tony Award winning design for “The Drowsy Chaperone"
Original Scenic sketches from David Gallo’s Tony Award winning set design for “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Original Costume sketches from “Jersey Boys” by designer Jess Goldstein
Original Scenic sketches from Andrew Jackness’ set design for “The Scarlett Pimpernel"
4'x 6' panels of designer tests from 2006
As the day progresses, some of the art may be reduced in price. And by the afternoon, Gail is famous for her statement, “I DON’T WANT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE OFFICE… SELL IT!” If you hear this, don't expect a "fire sale". If there are price discounts, they are determined by three people at the table: reasonable offers are not refused. Bargains can be obtained at this time.
The table closes at shortly after 5:00PM when the Grand Auction begins.
United Scenic Artists local 829
It is a nationwide autonomous union of artists and designers in the entertainment industry.
Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
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Labels: AIDS, Benefit, Broadway, Costume, Design, Designer, Flea Market, Fundraiser, HIV, Memorabilia, NYC, Scenic, Theater, Theatre
