ALESSANDRA EXPOSITO - THE BICENTENNIAL SUNBURN
The highly anticipated Accessible Art Fair New York presented by MvVO Art opened at the iconic National Arts Club in Gramercy Park this past November 2016 and saw attendees such as actor Alan Cumming, Belgian Consul General Marc Calcoen, and film producer David W. Schooner Jr. The New York edition, which debuted after ten successful years in Brussels, breaks down the conventional barriers between artists, art collectors, art market professionals, and art lovers, by making the artists accessible, and providing a setting that inspires dialog. A jury of contemporary art experts selected more than 50 top emerging artists for the Fair, from New York and around the world. A portion of ticket sale proceeds were donated to Friends of Materials for the Arts (MFTA.org), New York’s premier creative reuse center.
The more than 200 artworks on display were all available for purchase over the course of the fair. Art fair visitors also had the unique opportunity to meet with the artists, whose artworks include sculptures, photography and paintings, spread out over two floors of the renowned National Arts Club. Art fair attendees also had the chance to attend scheduled panels on a variety of art-world topics, such as: Practical Perspectives on Buying Art, Emerging Trends, and Art & Technology. Said Maria van Vlodrop, Founder of MvVO and Co-Founder and Director of the Accessible Art Fair New York; “This fair is focused on artists. We hope that the format will jumpstart careers and stimulate adventurous collectors.”
To ensure the quality of the work presented, the panel of experts made selections from over 400 artist applications, which the Accessible Art Fair New York received during their Call To Artists in March & April 2016. For the 2016 edition of the Fair, the panel welcomed experts from Sotheby’s, Gagosian Gallery, artnet, Christie’s Collectrium, and Sutton. Curating the 2016 Fair in New York were Stephanie Manasseh (Founder & Chief Curator, Accessible Art Fair), along with Guest Curator, Isaac Aden (Ethan Cohen, WhiteBox).
GRANT COLLIER, DAY ONE
“We had such a wonderful response to our call for artists and I think our jury did a great job and made a fantastic selection of artists, which we are planning to show. I am very excited to be working with my guest curator Isaac Aden. Isaac has extensive experience in New York. With our combined experience, I think we make a great team”. —Stephanie Manasseh, Founder, Brussels’ Accessible Art Fair.
The Accessible Art Fair New York welcomed a range of visitors including collectors, art enthusiasts, art advisors, gallerists and the art-buying public. Van Vlodrop said also, “The Accessible Art Fair New York is a departure from conventional art fairs. The objective is to bring talented emerging and mid-career artists — unknown and often unrepresented — in direct contact with art collectors, art world professionals, and the general public. It’s an opportunity for everyone to discover new talent and break down barriers between artists and collectors, all within a high-end and friendly environment”.
2016 sponsors and partners included: Stoli Elit Ultra Luxury Vodka, Brussels Airlines (official airline), Neuhaus Belgian Chocolates, artnet (primary media partner), Tumblr, One Art Nation, The Clarion List, BelCham, Christie’s Collectrium, The Lowell Hotel, Racine Berkow Associates, The Art Conference and Lawlor Media Group.
Maria van Vlodrop, Alan Cumming, Stephanie Manasseh, Isaac Aden © Teresa Pyskaty
Main Website: http://www.mvvoart.com