ARTISTS. It’s encouraging to see more organizations taking steps to educate new buyers of original art. One such effort is The Affordable Art Fair, whose organizers believe that people shouldn’t have to be experts or have deep pockets to enjoy living with art they love.
Founded in London in 1999, The Affordable Art Fair provides a place for people to buy contemporary, original art priced from $100 to $10,000 in a friendly and welcoming environment.
The buying process at The Affordable Art Fair is straightforward: all prices are shown, including sales tax, and there are no hidden commissions. Artwork can be taken home right away.
Since its inception, The Affordable Art Fair has generated more than $250 million in global gallery sales by attracting more than one million visitors to shows in London, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bristol, Milan, Rome, Stockholm, Hamburg, Singapore, Hong Kong and Melbourne. Because approximately 30 percent of visitors have never bought an original work of art before, the Fair has established itself as a venue for new collectors.
For the first time, The Affordable Art Fair will be held in Seattle, Washington. Scheduled November 8 to 11 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, the event will feature contemporary art works from more than 50 galleries from across the U.S. and around the world. At least 50 percent of the original works on display must sell for under $5,000.
“The global success of the Affordable Art Fair proves that there is demand for affordable contemporary art,” says Seattle Fair director Jennifer Jacobs. “The relaxed and fun atmosphere at the Fair allows people to explore and learn about art, and with that comes the confidence to buy.”
The Fair in Seattle will be open to the public, including children. Workshops and activities are planned for people of all ages and backgrounds including young professionals on the hunt for their first piece of art, seasoned collectors seeking the next big thing, students searching for inspiration, and families looking for a fun day out. Friends can linger over lunch and a glass of wine in the café. Kids can let their imaginations run wild in the Young Collectors Lounge. And, printmaking demonstrations bring the artistic process to life.
Jacobs says Seattle was chosen for the newest edition of The Affordable Art Fair because of its active gallery and museum scene, thriving artist community, and diverse population.
The Affordable Art Fair will also be held in New York (October 4-7), Mexico City (October 19-21), Amsterdam (October 25-28), London/Battersea (October 25-28), Rome (October 26-28), London/Hampstead (November 1-4), Singapore (November 15-18), and Hamburg (November 15-18).
LINKS
Schedule of 2012 Affordable Art Fairs