The Fourth of July launches more than starbursts. The country bristles with grand displays of fine art – at all levels. The shows out in Suffolk county are likely to be a clamor for glamor wannabes and the astute collectors alike. At the opposite spectrum are the far ends of emerging artists whose start is launched by connoisseurs of art craft – aka Cherry Creek Art’s Festival and the like. Indeed the freedom of expression will ring, but if you want to focus your funds and time best, stick with these:
On July 12, launch into an internationally oriented fair with Art Santa Fe. Now in it’s 12th year, collectors have the opportunity to be intimate with each participating gallery – journeying from Argentina, Afganistan, Japan, Dallas, and a place nearby called Steamboat Springs. The works are diverse and the fair organizer, Charlotte Jackson, is one of the best in curating Contemporary works for her own gallery. Her programming typically favors folks not looking for the “typical” Santa Fe experience. Visit artsantafe.com for additional details and lodging options.
Out East, 3 weeks of fine art shows kick off. The longest running, Art Hamptons, has it’s work cut of for it. This year, the show finds itself in a new pasture re-locating to the Sculpture Fields of Nova’s Ark. The events around the main show include a celebration of Jackson Pollack with various galas supporting Guild Hall, Long House Reserve and the Pollock-Kranser House and Study Center. According to the event organizers, “…in 2011, over 9,500 Hamptonites (a show record) streamed through the aisles to experience the art from 80 respected galleries and international dealers.” The show runs from July 12 through July 15.
Art Mrkt, last year a slight disappointment, again fills the 3rd week of July (the 19th-22nd). Essentially a copy-cat exhibition in style and results, has a new challenge: keeping it’s once Art Hamptons exhibitors happy. To ensure that it’s vibe is strong, expect a younger orientation and focus on the contemporary. Their benefit evening event supports the Parrish Art Museum. While Art Hamptons missed on different levels last year and ArtMkt was under attended, the collector desiring significant works from Realism to Opt-Art will surely find it amongst both shows.
The unknown entrant is Art Southampton. The show will run from July 26 to 3oth. By no means a newbie to the art show world, this show is organized and produced by the same folks responsible for Art Miami. This year they pull similar galleries for a celebration of established names. Their benefit event is launched with a film premier, ‘HEAARTBEAT‘ – focused on John Chamberlain’s artistic process and intentions, his desire to go out into the world and create art that makes your ‘heart beat.” Visit art-southampton.com for additional details and lodging options.
