Last week, Migration exhibited at the Affordable Art Fairin New York City. The fair is a juried event for exhibitors. We were judged and accepted primarily on the quality of the artists we intended to exhibit. Needless to say, we were very pleased to be accepted and included with the other 70+ galleries hailing from around the country and world (US, Europe, Asia, Canada, South America and Australia). For us, it was particularly important that we had the opportunity to introduce our artists’ work to the New York art market as well as show off the quality of work we have here in little old Charlottesville.
From the feedback Laura and I got (both in word and, the most relevant indicator of approval, sales), the Charlottesville art scene was well represented in New York City. In fact, we received a lot of praise as being "one of the best galleries at the fair" (modesty is forcing restraint here). Laura and I obviously give all the credit to the six artists we exhibited: Brian Mallman, Foust, Arturo Mallmann, Randall Stoltzfus, Joachim Knill and Alan Dehmer.
During the fair, two different documentary film makers spent a notable amount of time filming in the Migration booth and interviewed us about the significance and importance of our artist’s work. Some of our patrons were also interviewed as they strolled through. We also had two Japanese news teams focus on the Migration booth as part of their fair reports. We’ll link to these international video feeds as soon as they are posted.
Migration and its artists also got some attention from the local media. Read a few of the reviews of AAF NYC here, here, here, here, and here.
In addition to what Migration was doing, one of Charlottesville’s top artists, Michael Fitts, was represented at AAF NYC by Bethesda, Maryland gallery The Fraser Gallery. Prior to the final day of the fair, Catriona Fraser reported that 75% of all of Michael’s work sold at the fair. (I’m not sure, but he may have sold out by the time the fair closed on Sunday). Well done, Michael.
And, it was a real treat to see former C’ville gallery owner (Nature Gallery) Laurel Hausler’s spiritual and beautifully haunting paintings at the fair. Laurel is represented by Nevin Kelley Gallery in Washington, DC. Laurel’s work truly stood out on the fair walls in Chelsea.
So, I can safely say that the Charlottesville art scene was not only well represented in NYC, but it scored big! [insert sound of cheering crowds.]
Rob & Laura:
Great reporting on the AAF. Links to the press reviews and the Charlottesville artists shown were most helpful and appealing. And enthusiastic congratulations for such a successful showing from Migration Gallery. Huzzah!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | June 19, 2008 at 02:29 PM