Fine art and antique shows hold a significant place in the marketplace. It is where national and international galleries have the opportunity to increase their exposure and broaden their collector base. No matter how we have adapted to—and even flourished during—pandemic-imposed isolation, I think we’ve all learned that’s there’s no substitute for in-person interactions and the deeper connections that result from them.

These events provide a platform for dealers and exhibitors to meet existing and potential clients face-to-face and to essentially bring a scaled-down version of their galleries to collectors. Professionally, these networking opportunities are invaluable, but let’s not forget that community has a lot to do with it too. It takes a tremendous amount of work and significant financial investment to transport art of this quality to and from the multiple fairs these galleries travel to, year after year.

It’s a niche market in which the world’s leading dealers in fine art operate. I have an inkling that a major draw is also seeing fellow art dealers that have long since become friends and with whom they share an utmost appreciation for art. What better feeling than being amongst your people?

We have enjoyed creating our Guide to the 2023 Fine Art & Antique Shows and exploring the connection between historic American art and the decorative arts which, given all the fairs that combine the two, clearly exists. You will read about museum exhibitions that explore this relationship, hear from The Met’s curator of decorative arts, show exhibitors and producers, as well as industry experts on the state of the market. The section concludes with a comprehensive calendar of the 2023 art fairs, from contemporary to classic, highlighting the events we think you will be most interested in attending.

Happy collecting!

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