The 14th annual Affordable Art Fair NYC returns March 25 to 29 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea (125 W. 18th Street). The Fair will feature more than 70 local, national and international galleries showcasing varied contemporary artworks. Founded on the notion that “art is for everyone,” all art is priced from $100 to $10,000, with the majority coming in under $5000.
"For centuries art has been used in many ways: to showcase power, to honor beauty, to represented success, and to remember harsh defeats," said Cristina Salmastrelli, director of the Affordable Art Fair NYC. "It is a wonderful and intimate way to communicate that which is iconic, since so many interact with a single piece of art. For those reasons, and those reasons alone, everyone should be affected by art."
"Back Bay Boston from Across the Charles River" by Jacquie Turner, Linda Blackstone Gallery.
Additionally, the Fair hosts workshops and expert presentations.
This year, newcomers include Sugarlife Gallery from Brooklyn, Corridor Contemporary from Tel Aviv, Israel and Lawrence Cantor Fine Art from Venice, California. London’s DECORAZONgallery and Will’s Art Warehouse, as well as New York City’s own Michele Mariaud Gallery are set to return this year.
“Part of the selection process is knowing what is most likely to sell at each fair,” said Salmastrelli. “For example, the New York editions are typically comprised of smaller pieces, abstracts and photography, because that’s what New Yorkers gravitate toward the most.”
"Untitled" by Xavi Carbonell, Art Angler.
Highlights include Artist-in-Residence Piero Manrique, a residency sponsored by Amazon Art. The Peruvian artist will be painting and chatting with viewers at the Metropolitan Pavilion throughout the Fair. The recent graduates exhibition returns, and will feature the work of three recent graduates, as does the Phaidon Lounge, which will showcase art books for perusal and purchase. Personal shopping sessions are also available by appointment, as are complimentary art wrapping services and on-site delivery and framing services.
"Approaching Rain Clouds" by Colin Wiley, Carina Haslam Art.
Lectures include “How to Spot a Picasso: What to Look for in an Artist,” by advisor, curator and publisher Diana Ewer, and “Passionate Collecting—Thoughtful Ownership Part Two,” presented by Travelers Insurance, a legacy sponsor of Affordable Art Fair NYC.
"An artwork can be the inspiration for or the completion of a room. It’s a great starting point when setting out to design a space or it’s the cherry on the top, the Christmas tree star, and the sprinkles on your ice cream that completes one’s vision," said Salmastrelli. "Artwork is a mode of visual communication and the emotional connection between artist and viewer. An artwork can be the centrepiece of any room and a wonderful conversation piece. It adds another layer – important layer – to the atmosphere of the room."
There will be a private viewing on Wednesday, March 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and an Affordable Art Fair After Dark viewing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. The Fair is open to the public March 26, 27 and 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday March 27. Additionally, the Fair is open Sunday March 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket information can be found online.
