The setting of the 24th annual Boston International Fine Art Show is a work of art in and of itself. For this event, the Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts—a 15,000-square-foot circular venue under a domed skylight—will house 40 galleries showcasing the full spectrum of fine art from historic masters to contemporary artists. This year there will be an emphasis on historic American art from the 18th century through mid-20th century and includes a special new contemporary art section titled Emerge, featuring the work of 15 juried up-and-coming and mid-career artists.
Jane Peterson (1876–1965), View at Gloucester, Early Autumn. Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in., signed lower left: ‘Jane Peterson’. Courtesy Avery Galleries.
The show kicks off with the popular and highly anticipated gala preview on Thursday, October 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The catered event will have live music and offer art lovers the opportunity to be the first to view and purchase the showcased works. Collectors and afficionados will be able to continue to enjoy the array of masterworks in the show—many of which are freshly on the market—through October 23.
Joseph Lindon Smith (1863-1950), Self Portrait in his Paris Studio, 1884. Oil on canvas, 31 x 25¼ in., signed ‘Joe L. Smith’; inscribed ‘PARIS’ and dated ‘1884’ (lower left). Courtesy Martha Richardson Fine Art (MA).
Some of the highlights include pieces by Rockwell Kent (1882-1971), Jane Peterson (1876-1965) and William Trost Richards (1833-1905). Martha Richardson Fine Art, a Boston gallery that has had a presence at the show since its inception, features work by notable African-American artist John Wilson (1922-2015), as well as John Singleton Copley (1738-1815) and Joseph Lindon Smith. From a private collection, Guarisco Galleries brings The White Lilies by George Hitchcock (1850-1913), while newcomer Lincoln Glenn offers pieces by Charles Green Shaw (1892-1974), John Whorf (1903-1959), George Inness (1925-1894), and Henry Salem Hubbell (1870-1949).
Henry Salem Hubbell (1870 - 1949), The Pied Mannequin, 1917. Oil on canvas, 26¼ x 18½ in., signed lower right: ‘HenrySalem Hubbell’. Courtesy Lincoln Glenn
Among the galleries bringing the best in contemporary fine art are New York City’s Arcadia Contemporary, Massachusetts-based Jane Eckert Gallery and Bowersock Gallery, and Maine galleries Gleason Fine Art and Susanna Fichera Fine Art.
This represents a small sampling of the many galleries and range of artwork that will be on view at the Boston International Fine Art Show. All visitors are sure to find styles, subject matter and eras suited to their personal taste.
A view of the show in the stunning Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. Photo by Robert Four, Fusco & Four.
Mark Baum (1903-1997), Bailey’s Island, 1946. Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. © The Mark Baum Estate (ME).
“Each year we see more and more collectors traveling to the show,” comments event co-producer Tony Fusco. “Not just to buy works of art, but also to immerse themselves in the weekend programs, and in conversations with scholars and gallery owners.”
This year, as part of the special programming, the publishers of American Fine Art Magazine and American Art Collector, Adolfo Castillo and Wendie Martin, will host a lively Q&A on “The State of Fine Art” on Friday, October 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. Together with panel members who are passionate veterans in their professions of contemporary and historical fine art, attendees will be privy to an insider conversation on trends in the art market and the latest highlights in the world of collecting. Leading historic art experts and afficionados will provide insight as to what is selling, what artists to watch for investment purposes, and how trends are evolving.
Collectors, scholars and gallery owners come together at the Boston International Fine Art show for an immersive weekend of fine art.
“As the only art show of its kind in New England, fall foliage season provides a perfect excuse to soak up the seasonal and cultural richness of Boston along with the show,” adds Fusco.
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