Unique Sights Abound At Annual Art Fair Week
Updated: 03/06/2013 12:41 PM
By: Stephanie Simon
It's Art Fair week in New York City with about a dozen major art shows taking place across the Big Apple. NY1's Stephanie Simon filed the following report.
As the Art Dealers Association of America show at the Park Avenue Armory celebrates it 25th anniversary, chairman Adam Sheffer says over the years it's gotten downright cut throat to get in.
"We are the longest running American Art Fair and we are also the only art fair that is members only. So you have to be a member of the Arts Dealers Association of America in order to participate in the fair and the competition to apply and be accepted is ruthless,' says Sheffer.
That's good news for those attending. It means high quality work from more than 70 galleries across the United States. Each booth is like a mini exhibition so whether you're looking to buy or just enjoy the sights, there's plenty of surprises.
"It's a Vietnamese artist called Tam Van Tran whose working in Los Angeles and the works that we are seeing here are copper leaf," describes Art Dealers Association of America President Dorsey Waxter.
There is a lot to see but one thing that makes art fairs unique is that there are usually tables and chairs. Visitors can sit and rest their feet and get a chance to talk with the experts.
"Well it is a rare opportunity," adds Sheffer. "Also when you go into galleries you’re met by people at the front desk and then you’re allowed to be on your own and look around which is great. But here it gets even better because you can walk in. Many of the principals and the directors are here manning the stands the entire time and you can really have a dialog with them that is much more personable."
The $25 admission benefits the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg also attended Wednesday the opening of the centennial Armory Show on Manhattan's West Side, one of the Art Fair week shows.
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