"Community Art exposure" scam

Elizabeth from Glen Eden

Kia ora folks.
I have just received a visit from a young lady asking for a minute of my time to show me some art for a "local community art exposure". Being an art teacher, I was all about it and agreed to participate. I knew something was definitely not right when she attributed one art work to the wrong artist but of a similar style. Unfortunately and not surprisingly, it became a sales call and had very little to do with enriching the community. The girl, I'm guessing on a working holiday seemed quite harmless and had a very pleasant approach. Yet she followed a script that was highly manipulative and included information that I believe to be false. Part of this script stated that the artworks are made by people who have recently finished art school from countries all around the world. I have traveled a bit in my life and know these paintings are done in villages in China and parts of South East Asia. The works are usually sold to tourists for around $40 depending on your negotiation skills. I do not wish to deprive these artists an income, but I object to the dishonesty and manipulative strategies employed by this business. When I said I didn't want to buy anything, the guilt was laid on thick and fast- "it's awful being out on a night like this, I hope I sell something" etc etc. I think it's all part of their training and designed to make you buy something.
I do not wish to deter anyone from purchasing these if you genuinely like the works, but I want people to get the whole picture and not get sucked in by the word "community" being used to gain trust.