Hi, Sandra,
As usual these days, I'm just flying through. We always have the glossy Tribeza in our art center. That's certainly reaching the "money" folks. I've never inquired of anyone I'm working with whether its ads produce work. Perhaps I'll post on the bulletin board and solicit feedback on that.
I've recently been semi-bombarded with both literature and email from an outfit that professes to, among other things, advertise Central Texas artists. I have no information other than this internet contact:
www.artloversguide.com/mediakit Might be another angle to check out.
As much trouble as a three-subject portrait has given me, I can't even imagine the challenge of a ten-subject endeavor. I'm sure I'd switch professions first, just to avoid it -- especially as "only" a promotional effort.
You and I might both profit from a mailing to local corporations and organizations (perhaps to human resources managers??), touting the value and appropriateness of portraiture for upcoming events, retirements, and celebrations focused on particular individuals. I suspect that Austin is somewhat of a hard sell, otherwise, as the "Keep Austin Weird" sentiment seems prevalent.
As for "donating" a commission, be
very sure to specify such things as "single-subject portrait" and "unframed" [assuming those are your conditions -- insert others as appropriate], and make sure those get listed on any bid sheet. (Otherwise Tribeza might be high bidder and insist that you do a 10-person portrait.)