This summer the fine art collector has a group of destinations deserving a visit. From West to East, galleries gather with some compelling works in photography, sculpture, paintings and new media. Along the way you will find a few notable craft, glass and “caravan” shows to gather ideas too.
The first to check off is the Cherry Creek Art Festival located in Cherry Creek North, Denver. It’s a long July 4th weekend where the city comes out of a sports hibernation to discover compliments for signed helmets, jerseys and shaped skis. The cool factor typically fades amongst the weekend tents with an emerging painter, sculptor, jewelry designer or woodworker. Each, often journeying for their national debut, aim to impress and gain a following.
The following weekend, head south. The country’s “second largest fine art capital” awaits you along old Route 66. Santa Fe hosts two concurrent events starting July 7 through July 10: Art Santa Fe and The Santa Fe International Folk Art Fair. The latter is an expression of what Cherry Creek North likely missed. Over 30 countries, through 120 selected artists gain representation from crafts, woodworking and miscellaneous of the indigenous to native.
Mexican Tsunami by Humberto Garcia Urrutia
Art Santa Fe posses to host what you missed in Miami or perhaps Basel. Now in it’s 11th year, the contemporary show gathers notable galleries and national leaders to display, discuss, buy and sell contemporary and modern masters. The show enables friends of the arts to see what the show deems “worthy” of emerging artists and even how to discern art theory with noted speakers – the New Mexico Museum of Art along with Art Santa Fe Presents are hosting a lecture by Lawrence Weschler (known for his contributions to the New Yorker Magazine amongst others).
Should the West not be on your radar, venture out to the latest edition of Art Hamptons. The show is a gathering spot for the classic summer-time, Hampton goer – city weekender to mega-mansion owner. Some argue that the quality of the works shown have become repetitive – as NYC galleries are merely following their clients to Bridgehampton’s “Horse” fields. The 2011 show will be “more intimate” as only 60 national and international galleries are featured. The patron of note for Art Hamptons will be Russell and Danny Simmons, highlighted for their non-profit work with disadvantaged youth and the arts.
At any level, the options of what to collect are too numerous to list individually. The key this summer is to see, select and acquire.
