This month, the Affordable Art Fair New York returns for its 20th-anniversary edition at full steam. The fair, long-beloved by emerging collectors, is bigger than ever with 75 galleries participating, including four legacy galleries that have been presenting with the fair since its debut.

The fair will also welcome some gallery newcomers,  including Jonathan Spies Miller Fine Art, LLC, and Paris-based Galerie Duret. 

Affordable Art Fair New York at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Photography by Reed Photographic.

The spring New York edition will be the first under Erin Schuppert, the fair’s New York director, who was appointed earlier this year. Schuppert came to the role with eight years experience in the New York art world, having held positions at Menconi and Schoelkopf, Phillips, and Christie’s. 

“As the director of the New York City editions, I am energized by the opportunity to welcome an ever-broadening audience to the fair in its only North American location,” Schuppert said in a statement. “In this role, I hope to inspire confidence and enthusiasm for collectors as they discover beautiful art while supporting the artists and galleries who make up our vibrant arts community.” 

This edition will also mark the reintroduction of the Affordable Art Fair’s Curatorial Excellence Award, a juried award for carefully curated presentations that “demonstrate distinction in the intentionality, concept, and presentation of works displayed.”

This year, the jury will award both first place and honorable mention recognitions.

Affordable Art Fair New York at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Photography by Reed Photographic.

The Affordable Art Fair has long been recognized as an entry point for curious art goers and new collectors engaging the art market often for the first time. In keeping with that, the fair will feature a “Young Talent Exhibition.” This year, this exhibition will entail a site-specific installation by Brooklyn-based artist Traci Johnson, curated by the Brooklyn  nonprofit  Arts Gowanus, which advocates for local artists within their communities.

Courtesy of Traci Johnson and Arts Gowanus.

Johnson’s practice crosses textile design, installation, and sculpture. Their work is characterized by bright, soft-sculpture artworks that imagine a world freed from the stratifications of race, class, and social status.

“As the audience walks through the space I want the positive energy that surrounds my sculptures to encompass them,” said Johnson of the installation. 

Learn more about the fair here. 

The Affordable Art Fair New York runs Wednesday, March 23–Sunday, March 27 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea.