Affordable Art Fair NYC returns to the Metropolitan Pavilion from Wednesday, March 20 through Sunday, March 24. The Spring edition features presentations by over 75 galleries, many from right here in New York, and many more from across the country and across the world. This Spring will mark the 35th edition in New York and kicks off the 25th anniversary year for Affordable Art Fair globally!
FEATURES
ARTS GOWANUS
Arts Gowanus is a not-for-profit organization working to support, promote, and advocate for local artists and a sustainable arts community in Brooklyn. They nurture relationships among individual artists, arts organizations, local businesses, and the community by producing open studio events, public art, professional development workshops, artistic collaborations, and exhibitions. This edition, Arts Gowanus will be exhibiting collections by two featured artists, Liza Domingues and Hannah Robinett.
About the artists
Liza Domingues
Liza’s work is rooted in her Brazilian heritage and relationship with design and architecture. Her art delves into the dynamic interplay of geometric shapes and colors, shaping perceptions and moods. As a Brazilian in NYC, color’s vital role in her life is expressed through diverse mediums like acrylic, wood, papier-mâché, and 3D printing.
Hannah Robinett
Hannah is presenting her series titled Order & Chaos, which focuses on brokenness and being made whole again. Each piece consists of shredded remnants of work that either didn’t resonate with her or never came to completion. The grid overlaid on top symbolizes order within something overly chaotic. The outcome reveals a juxtaposition between perfection and disorder, revealing an expression of completion. Each piece is uniquely imperfect, extending a gentle reminder that in our brokenness there is beauty.
This edition, we invite visitors to be a part of Order & Chaos by Hannah Robinett. All fair long, visitors can participate by filling in the blanks on the colorful slips of paper nearby and placing them into the shredder created by Hannah. The grid will gradually fill up with various colors and participants’ shredded responses throughout the fair.
COLLECTIVE BLOOM WITH THE ART THERAPY PROJECT
The Art Therapy Project is a nonprofit providing group art therapy in a safe inclusive space for people in need of mental health services. Clients feel connected and inspired while exploring their personal journeys, increasing their self-awareness, and improving their quality of life.
Over the course of the fair, Affordable Art Fair NYC patrons will be invited to share their creative spirit by designing petals that will be added to a wall creating a “Collective Bloom“. This installation is a testament to the transformative power of shared creativity. Each petal created by a visitor represents that individual’s vision of the bright possibilities their future holds.
ARTLOGIC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
This March, Affordable Art Fair NYC is proud to present a full roster of Fellow Galleries. We are thrilled to welcome Brooklyn-based gallery SHEER, who will be our third Fellow, as well as, Eleventh Hour Art and Established Gallery, who will be continuing the program.
The Artlogic Fellowship Program grants local up-and-coming arts organizations with an opportunity to showcase their artists’ work to a wide audience at Affordable Art Fair without the financial barriers to entry. Fellows are provided the resources, underwriting, mentorship, and platform to facilitate long-term financial success and community-building. Read the blog to learn more.
LIVE PAINTING BY JULES WITTOCK
Engaging in art-making can be used as a therapeutic self-care activity because it promotes the flow of creativity and increases your imagination, which can reframe negative thoughts and emotions. You will find that just ten minutes of rest with this mindful activity, can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and replenish your energy. The Art Therapy Project team favorites are doodling, drawing, collage-making, and knitting.
See this in practice right here at the fair! Belgian artist Jules Wittock regards his hand-painted labyrinths as his tool to escape while simultaneously staying present and connected to the moment. He will paint a new work titled Play onsite at the Activation Stand during fair hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Upon completion, Jules will donate the 1.5m x 2m canvas to The Art Therapy Project’s auction that begins online April 18th and closes at their Spring Spectacular at the Mastercard Tech Hub on May 2nd. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will support free art therapy programs.
IN MEMORIAM: SOMEONE I LOVED BY EMILY B. YANG AND JOY TIEN
In this special installation, curated by Artbean Coffee, Taiwan-Malaysian ceramic and block-print artist, Emily B. Yang, presents works exploring themes related to love and grief. While, Taiwan-born artist, Joy Tien, known for her punch needle works, intricately weaves narratives that touch upon the essence of life and the afterlife.
FINDS UNDER $500 & WONDERS UNDER $1000
Dedicated to presenting affordable art that everyone can discover and collect, Affordable Art Fair NYC is excited to showcase a collection of works priced under $1,00. A longstanding and much-loved feature, the Finds Under $500 and Wonders Under $1,000 walls are the perfect place to start out your fair journey and an excellent tool for the emerging collector.
SPECIAL HOURS
PRIVATE VIEW
Join us Wednesday, March 20 from 6-9pm as we open the doors and kick off an incredible Spring edition. This is your chance to get first dibs on the amazing artworks on display by over 75 galleries. Come and be the first to stroll the halls and enjoy a complimentary drink thanks to our partners at New Belgium! Must have All-Access Pass for entry.
MATERIALS FOR THE ARTS DONATION FOR ADMISSION
Have extra new or gently used art supplies laying around the house that you need to get rid of? We have a solution. Bring them to Affordable Art Fair on Thursday, March 21 from 6-8pm, drop them in a designated donation bin, and enjoy the fair for free! Our partner Materials for the Arts will then take all of the donated art supplies and distribute them to New York public schools. It’s the perfect way to organize and give back.
Examples of accepted items: paints, blank canvases, pencils, crayons, markers, unused journals, jewelry making supplies, craft supplies.
You will also find a special installation curated by Materials For The Arts featuring the following artists who prioritize sustainability and upcycling discarded materials in their practice: Machine Dazzle, Niceli Portugal, David Marini, John Landewe, Kate Rusek, and Ben Pederson.
ART AFTER DARK
Bring your friends, your date, your Mom, your dog (though no paws on the floor!) to soak up all the fun of our Art After Dark on Thursday, March 22 from 6pm – 9pm!
Friday, March 22 from 6-9pm, we invite you to experience the fair like never before in a new and unique way. Funny Face Bakery will be serving up tasty, edible, artworks at their live cookie piping station, while Curious Elixirs will be serving adaptogen infused cocktails to help you wind down. This Art After Dark is not to be missed.
THE ARTIST IS IN
One thing we’ve heard consistently that people love about our fair is the chance to engage with our exhibitors’ artists. Well, we’ve listened and this Spring, we’ll be bringing back our newest program , The Artist Is In.
Saturday, March 23, exhibitors will bring along their artists, who will be in and out all day so that fairgoers have the opportunity to interact with the artist whose work inspires them. Throughout the day, you’ll know when a gallery artist is in by a little light in each booth.
STROLLER HOURS
Stroller Hours is a fun and accessible way for parents to enjoy the fair, discover art and shop with their little ones, hassle-free. There’s something for everyone at the fair so be sure to get your Stroller Hours tickets to enjoy our family-centered experience when we open our doors before the public on Sunday, March 24 starting at 10am.
Plan the perfect artsy weekend with your youngest collectors. Lounge on Play Kits provided by Lalo and join us for a mess-free arts and crafts and short and sweet programs at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm for our little art lovers led by The Babysitting Company and enjoy some healthy snacks thanks to our friends at Fresh Bellies.
FAIR PASSES
ALL-ACCESS PASS
$80
The All-Access Pass allows entry for two (2) people starting at 6pm on Wednesday, March 20 and all fair hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 21 – 24, 2024.
Special Event Access:
Private View | Wednesday, March 20, 6pm – 9pm
Art After Dark | Friday, March 22, 6pm – 9pm
Stroller Hours | Sunday, March 24, 10am – 2pm
GENERAL ADMISSION
$35
General Admission allows entry for one (1) person for one (1) day during General Admission hours:
Thursday, March 21, 12pm – 8pm
Friday, March 22, 12pm – 6pm
Saturday, March 23, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, March 24, 12pm – 5pm
EXCLUDES access to the Private View on Wednesday, March 20, Art After Dark on Friday, March 22 from 6pm – 9pm, and Stroller Hours area on Sunday, March 24.
PARTNERS
ARTLOGIC
We’re thrilled to have the support of Artlogic as the Title Partner of our Fellowship! Artlogic is a platform to run your entire art business. Grow your sales, streamline workflows and reach more buyers with the only art platform designed for galleries, artists and collectors.
NEW VISIONARY MAGAZINE
New Visionary Magazine is the Official Media Partner of the NYC Spring 2024 edition. New Visionary is a contemporary art magazine brought to you by Visionary Art Collective, a New York City-based contemporary art and artist development company.
In this publication, you’ll find exclusive interviews with artists, curators, entrepreneurs and educators, along with a curated selection of featured artwork, educational resources, career tips, and more.
FRAMEIT
Through the use of their unique AR (augmented reality) platform, FrameIT is helping our visitors draw a deeper connection with the artworks on display. By scanning a QR code next to a selected artwork, visitors will be able to use their iPhone’s camera to view an artwork on the walls of their own home. Visitors can also make a wishlist of artworks they like throughout the fair.
FOOD & DRINKS
VOODOO RANGER IPA
The Voodoo Ranger family is brewed with trendsetting hop and malt varieties—and served with a side of sarcasm. Let’s just say Voodoo Ranger doesn’t take himself too seriously, and neither should you.
The bottom line: if you’re looking for innovative IPAs that are hop forward, bold, and occasionally hazy, the Voodoo Ranger fam has your back
CURIOUS ELIXIRS
Curious Elixirs are booze-free craft cocktails, infused with adaptogens to help you unwind. Our beverages are handmade with the best ingredients and no refined sugar.
Each Curious Elixir also bolsters the body using the mysterious properties of plants — from an ancient botanical that increases serotonin and dopamine precursors, to another that increases circulation and was used in Mayan culture as an aphrodisiac.
ARTBEAN
Affordable Art Fair’s specialty coffee partner, Artbean Coffee, introduces a hybrid watering hole for art-goers to discover art while enjoying their coffee break.
These specialty roasters join us from their storefront space in Chinatown and have distinguished themselves as art enthusiasts in their own right. Artbean Coffee aims to create a platform for artists to amplify their stories, offering curated exhibitions in their coffee shop.
SHIPPING & WRAPPING
THE BRITISH SHOP
We welcome The British Shop as our official Art Handling and Logistics Partner for the New York editions.
Whether it’s fine art, luxury furniture, antiques, exhibition installations or interior design, clients trust The British Shop to project manage it safely, quickly and discreetly. They offer a simple, straightforward, and personal service for everyone from interior designers to auction houses, art collectors, galleries, art fairs and exhibitions, and private clients.