A Glamorous Affair

The Art Show continues in a successful streak of sales for their charitable cause and for their high caliber exhibitors

Beginning with the annual Benefit Preview on November 3, in support of the Henry Street Settlement, and running through November 7, The Art Show pulled off another triumphant event of top galleries showcasing historical and contemporary works. Organized by the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA), the event attracted thousands of national and international collectors, along with industry experts and art enthusiasts of all kinds.

This includes attendance from major institutions like National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Whitney Museum of American Art. Major collectors and VIPs noted by the ADAA were Iris Abrons, Sarah Arison, David Cross, Noa Fisher and Fran Lebowitz, to name just a few.Visitors mingle at the 2021 event. Photo by Scott Rudd.

The Benefit Preview, an elegant event that provides a “first look” at all the fair exhibitors, donates proceeds toward the Henry Street Settlement, a social service, arts and health care organization in New York. Guests also bid on two works to support the organization: a Henry Matisse drawing, donated by The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, and a Rudolf Stingel painting donated by the artist. The ADAA notes the preview amassed around $1.2 million this year for Henry Street, bringing a running total of $34 million raised over the past three decades.

“We’re thrilled to mark The Art Show’s new fall time slot with such a successful fair week,” says Anthony Meier, ADAA president and founder of Anthony Meier Fine Arts. “ADAA members across the board presented top quality exhibitions showcasing their outstanding artists and programs, and reminded collectors and art lovers of the exceptional caliber of exhibitions for which The Art Show is so well known. We are extremely pleased with the very strong attendance by top collectors, museum leaders and the public, and are honored to provide continued support to Henry Street Settlement in our 33rd year of partnership with the organization.” 1. DeRay McKesson and Malik Johnson. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 2. Artist Chloe Wise. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 3. Fran Lebowitz in attendance as a host committee member. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 4. Anthony Meier, ADAA president. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 5. Hirschl & Adler Galleries booth. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 6. Visitors admiring sculptural work. Photo by Scott Rudd. 7. Attendees engaging with the artwork. Photo by Scott Rudd. 8. Visitors mingle near an abstract painting. Photo by Scott Rudd. 9. Avery Galleries booth. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 10. Mingling in the booths. Photo by Scott Rudd. 11. From left to right: Laura McLaws Helms, Victor Glemaud, Camilla Stærk, Jihae Kim, Yesim Ak and Eddie Borgo. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021. 12. Leonard Lauder shakes hands with an event rep. Photo by Brendon Cook. © BFA 2021.ADAA member Jessica Silverman, founder of Jessica Silverman Gallery, sums up her second year of participation in stating, “The Art Show has again provided us the opportunity to give the artists we work with a spotlight in New York amongst other exceptional dealers and gallerists. We placed works by each of the artists we’re presenting during the Benefit Preview, and we’re pleased to have this fair offer an intimate yet compelling setting to introduce our program to an expanding network of collectors.”

Sean Kelly, founder of Sean Kelly Gallery, adds, “The response to Landon Metz’s solo presentation of new paintings, created specifically for the ADAA Art Show, surpassed our expectations. Sales were brisk with the booth selling out quickly. The opening of the fair was excellent, with many prominent collectors, curators and friends gathering to celebrate being at the fair in person.”

The Art Show committee also selected “Best of Show” winners that recognizes “members whose presentations epitomize the connoisseurship and industry leadership of the ADAA membership,” says the ADAA press release. This year’s winners are Peter Freeman, Inc. for “Best in Show Booth” for the exhibition of Fernanda Gomes’ work, and Ricco/Maresca Gallery earned “Best in Show” for their presentation of William Edmondson’s Three Doves. —