How to (Successfully) Attend an Art Fair

We know you’ve been waiting for an excuse to travel internationally (Dubai? Hong Kong?). As art advisor Wendy Cromwell calls it, the PHAIR PHENOMENON provides a great reason to travel, as well as invest in the rise of the Contemporary art economy. Interested in embarking on your own art inspired adventure? In our September/ October issue, Cromwell gives us an expert’s introduction to art fair etiquette in “Art Fair 101”. 

Did you know that from 2000 to pre-pandemic 2020, the number of art fairs held internationally went from 60 to almost 300, according to Art Basel and the USB Market Report? Moving from an Impressionist and Modern art centric market primarily based in New York and London, current trends are migrating. And Wendy Cromwell has been a part of it all. Prior to founding Cromwell Art 18 years ago, Wendy Cromwell was Vice President of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art for nearly a decade. Browse our current issue for more on Cromwell’s extensive background in art advising. 

From proper negotiating techniques to navigating the layout of the space (the largest stands at the center usually have the priciest art), SL has the crash course on how to refine your art fair etiquette. Here’s a sneak peek at some of Cromwell’s advice for a novice art buyer: 

DO choose a fair that’s juried. 

DO attend on the first or second public viewing day. 

DON’T impulse buy … a lesson that extends beyond an art fair! 

For the full list of do’s and don’ts, grab your copy of SL: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/mag/subscribe 

Now that you’re an expert (kind of), maybe Wendy will see you on the art fair circuit…