Yes, a debate on this topic would be very interesting. Feel free to share this in any way that might help artists understand that no one benefits when prices are too low, or when art efforts are devalued in any way.
Different categories for participants might help, although there's something about saturating the market with a large amount of rapidly created works that in and of itself diminishes value. Another local "arts" organization is sponsoring their "first annual" national invitational plein air paint out this coming week. 44 "talented" artists, painting one or two works/day for a week, is a whole lot of product!
The promo for this event declares "Art is a spectator sport!" (Oddly, I have always believed that Art is Art!) It makes me sad to see the efforts of artists at any level of experience co-opted by those who would turn them into competitive showmen (or roadside attractions). A colleague of mine suggests creating an Artist Manifesto; something like that could perhaps help both budding artists and collectors alike recognize that art is not a game ....
