Why Exhibit?
Philadelphia’s Only Contemporary Fair Returns for Eagerly Awaited & In-Demand Encore
Philly in 2020 – Contemporary Art Rising
The award-winning, inaugural 2019 first edition made history in Philadelphia. Thousands of avid art lovers poured over the displays presented by 35 select dealers from 19 cities. These notable galleries showcased hundreds of respected artists ranging from hot up-and-comers, and solid mid-career to blue chip masters. While antiques and early American art have been popular genres the past 30 years, the buying trend these days in art is focused on contemporary works. So much the case, that even several leading Philadelphia museums are adding more contemporary shows in their 2020 schedule as well as increasing their contemporary permanent collections.
2019 Recap Video
Art Savvy Fairgoers
The weekend brought in many serious art patrons and established collectors from the greater region, such as The Main Line, Bucks County, Delaware Valley, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, Lehigh Valley, Berks County and Downtown Philadelphia. It not only attracted hundreds of elite collectors, but those just beginning to build a contemporary art collection as well. Exhibitors were particularly impressed by how knowledgeable and attentive the fairgoers were. Both local and national gallerists were delighted to be introduced to an entirely “fresh crop” of art enthusiasts.
Time to Uncover New Prospects in one of Nation’s Largest Cities
Philly is a culturally driven and passionate city with over 6 million residents in the Greater Metro Area. As the second most populous city on the East Coast (and 6th largest in the US), PFAF will generate thousands of fresh contemporary art enthusiasts and buyers. The 2019 edition proved that this affluent, fast-growing and well-cultured base of residents are eager to discover the joy of collecting contemporary art. Although just two hours from NYC, Philadelphians have their own tastes, aesthetics and design sensibilities that are unique to the region and wish to buy locally.
PFAF Executive Director, Rick Friedman, has stated, “We uncovered an avid collector base in Philadelphia that wanted and responded favorable to a contemporary fair they can call their own. Sales were strong and consistent, between the $3,000 and $30,000 level. We proved there’s a fast-growing interest and newfound demand for contemporary art in Philly. By providing locals an easily accessible opportunity to acquire important contemporary works, our fair is a perfect supplement to the long running Phil. Antiques and Art Show.”
Focused on Diversity
In keeping with the current times and art trends, especially in a multi-cultural, major metropolis, the 2020 edition will also present gallery-driven Art Pavilions that are focused on diversity. These pre-identified, ethnic-focused gallery spaces will present Latin-American artists, African-American artists, and women artists.
A Memorable Location
Architecturally designed as a distinctive castle-like fortress, this memorable and eye-catching facility has played host to many U.S. Presidents, The British Royal Family, the Philadelphia Bar Association, as well as antique and design fairs.
Participating Museums & Institutions.
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn. Academy of Fine Arts, Arthur Ross Gallery at Univ. of Penn, Hunterdon Art Museum, Delaware Art Museum, The Delaware Contemporary, Biggs Museum of American Art, Brandywine River Museum of Art, Institute of Contemporary Art at Univ of Penn, Woodmere Art Museum, Barnes Foundation, The Fabric Workshop, LaSalle Univ. Art Museum, The Print Center, Abington Art Center, Phil. Museum of Jewish Art, Phil. Photo Arts Center, Art Museum of the Americas, Hirshhorn Museum.
An Accessible Location in the Middle of Town
Ideally situated between the two main streets in Philadelphia, Market and Chestnut, the historic and well known 23rd St. Armory is just walking distance from the city’s central train station (Amtrak’s 30th St. station). The venue is on the major exit street from Route 676, the cross-town expressway, and has commercial parking for more than 400 cars within a block.
Philly Takes its Art Seriously
- 25 vibrant and reputable art galleries primarily showing contemporary art.
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts a robust membership base of 46,000 households and an email database of 250,000.
- The first and oldest art school in the nation and now with 5 local art schools.
- With more than 2,000 murals, Phil has earned the name: The mural Capital of the US.
- Has more public art than any other city in the country, over a thousand pieces.
- 20+ art museums within a short 1 hour drive.
- Winner of the 2019 Best in Philly: New Way to Find Art– the Philadelphia Fine Art Fair …awarded by Philadelphia Magazine.
Show Hours
Thursday, October 22nd
Opening Night Preview
5pm to 9pm
Friday, October 23rd
Show Hours | 12pm to 8pm
Saturday, October 24th
Show Hours | 11am to 6pm
Sunday, October 25th
Show Hours | 11am to 4pm
Ample public parking lots nearby
Show Venue
The 23rd Street Armory is Historic and Easily Accessible Location
Ideally situated between the two main streets in Philadelphia, Market and Chestnut, the historic and well known 23rd St. City Troop Armory is just walking distance from the city’s central train station (Amtrak’s 30th St. Station) and on a major exit street from Route 676, the cross-town expressway. Learn more.