Source: hahamag | 13/04/19

This weekend, 34 galleries from around the country will come to the 23rd Street Armory for the inaugural Philadelphia Fine Art Fair representing the work of 300 established and emerging artists.

This weekend, 34 galleries from around the country will come to the 23rd Street Armory for the inaugural Philadelphia Fine Art Fair representing the work of 300 established and emerging artists. This is a small intimate affair with one floor of exhibitors; galleries that some collectors will be familiar with from significant markets like Scope Miami Beach, Pinta, and LA art show.

It’s a milestone for Philadelphia, its first major contemporary art fair. Though it remains to be seen if Philadelphia is a buyers market, the Fair Director, Rick Friedman thinks the Philadelphia art market is ready for this. PFAF says their mission is to support, contribute and further the artistic goals of the cultural community of Philadelphia.

The goals of the global art market have changed – it has been proven over the last few years that New Contemporary is where younger collectors are focused. Well established art institutions and galleries are taking notice and curating with an awareness of next-generation art collectors–quite frankly, that’s a breath of fresh air.

Has the fair been curated to accommodate both the more mature collector and the younger? Will the fair have a long-lasting effect on Philly? Who can be sure, the older art scene has largely resisted change, galleries have closed… but the new blood is hovering and waiting to see.

Here are our fair highlights: