Crazy OAX auction war
A viral clip from the Orlando Original Art Expo captured what it calls the 'craziest bidding war' at OAX 2026 — collectors fiercely competed for original contemporary works this week (youtube.com). The moment underlines how public expos are turning into real market indicators for rising contemporary artists (youtube.com).
The third annual Original Art Expo ran Feb. 20–22, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Studios and event materials listed "90+ ARTISTS, 60+ EXHIBITORS, 1,000+ ART COLLECTORS." (oax.art) Organizers scheduled the Jack & Roz Kirby Awards for 5:30–6:15 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, immediately followed by the OAX Art Auction & Fundraiser starting at 6:15 p.m. that same night. (oax.art) OAX advertised an in-person preview of auction lots with final bidding restricted to ticketed show attendees, and VIP badge holders were granted two exclusive hours of early access during the VIP preview. (oax.art) The printed OAX program states a portion of every sale was earmarked for four nonprofits: The Hero Initiative, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, The Kirby Museum & Research Center, and Project Pinball. (oax.art) Heritage Auctions served as a platinum sponsor, sponsored Steve Rude’s appearance and a Heritage booth raffle, and the OAX sponsor list also named ComicLink, ComicConnect, DiTullio Art Collective, Dynamite, Next Comic Art, TDArt, and Hake’s Auctions. (oax.art) Event organizers credited Comic Art Fans/CAF as the producer, listing Kasra Ghanbari and Bill Cox as showrunners and Tatiana Dykes as director of events, and CAF promoted the auction through its CAF+ channel and associated recap coverage. (oax.art)
