Like inexpensive art? You had to line up early at the Cheaper Show

“I’ve been here since around 6:30 or 7,” says one young man near the front of the line—he’s referring to 6:30 or 7 a.m. (!!) on a Saturday. He has set up camp with a foldable chair, a blanket, and a book, by the front doors of the W2 Storyeum on June 26.

By around 3:30 p.m., the line for the Cheaper Show has only expanded by about 50 people, all strategizing about how they are going to get the art pieces they want—all works are $200 and it’s first come, first serve. Although each person is the other’s competition, people are friendly, keeping each other entertained for the next two and a half hours.

For about an hour, it seems like the efforts of those who came at the crack of dawn were unnecessary—the queue has only lengthened by about a dozen people. Then, by around 4:30 p.m., what seemed like a sudden influx of people cause the line to wrap around the Storyeum, down Abbott Street to Water Street.

Six p.m. seems to creep up fast. As the doors open, people who knew the numbers of the pieces they want from Thursday night’s preview show dash leftward to the sales desk. Within minutes, the separate room designated for sales has a line stretching dozens of people long. Projected across one wall are the numbers from one to 400. Each number represents a piece of art, and any one that's covered with a black dot represents a piece of art sold. As those in line inch forward, they anxiously check the screen, either relieved to see their piece still available or disappointedly resorting to a backup.

Those who weren’t at the preview hurry toward the right, to find a work of art they love before it’s gone.

Those uninterested in buying head straight to the long bar, so that they can take their time viewing the pieces with a drink.

The frantic scurrying soon settles into a relaxed atmosphere where art lovers gather to look at, and discuss, some incredible art over a few beers. The newly expanded venue ensures that nobody waits in line after the initial rush. There’s enough space for people to move freely.

Paintings, drawings and photographs adorn most of the white walls. Sculptures are carefully placed around the venue, while a couple of video installations play throughout the night. T-shirts and other merchandise with phrases like “Buy Art, Not Cocaine” are for sale near the sales room.

More than 100 volunteers, including organizers Graeme Berglund and Steve Rio, walk around making sure everything runs smoothly. Artists are also spotted, willing to discuss their work with admiring viewers.

By the end of the night, over 85 percent of the pieces sell and everyone seems to have had a good time. The Cheaper Show No.9 was a success.