ART FAIR PREVIEWS
The 22nd annual Boston International Fine Art Show honors traditional artwork while providing a lofty platform for emerging artists.
One of the highlights of the Boston art world is the Boston International Fine Art Show. Well-known for its diversity in art style and time periods covered, as well as its approachable nature, the show is enjoyed by both new and seasoned collectors alike. The Boston International Fine Art Show will be held October 18 to 21 at the Cyclorama Boston Center for the Arts, with an opening Gala Preview on the evening of the October 18, benefitting the Art for Justice Fund.
“Typically the show is almost 50-50 traditional and contemporary… We try to have a really good mix for everyone and anyone who comes to the show,” says co-producer Tony Fusco. He adds that the work displayed is a good reflection of Boston’s current art market.
Exhibitors in the 2018 show include Bowersock Gallery, Fichera Fine Art and Martha Richardson Fine Art as part of the 40 total galleries attending. Renjeau Galleries will be celebrating their 10th year exhibiting at the show. “With our large and diverse inventory, we always have one of the largest booths in the show,” says gallery owner Rob Rosenfield. “We will be exhibiting a mix of contemporary
realist and abstract work from several of our gallery artists including Craig Alan, Robert Bolster, Carol O’Malia and Don Macdonald among others,” he says.
While many visitors enjoy classic pieces like drawings from the Old Masters, Fusco says he is most excited about new works. “Who are the emerging artists? Which galleries are bringing those artists to the forefront of that scene in New England,” Fusco asks rhetorically, commenting on the value of new creations and ideas in the art world. “We’re very lucky to have a very vibrant art scene here in Boston... Largely our contemporary art comes from New England, but there’s also Art Concept Alternative out of Miami,” he says, referring to a gallery showcasing a wide range of works from international artists that Fusco is particularly excited to have in attendance for a second year.
While most exhibitors are galleries, a few individual artists are also invited to the show, including Lena Young and Thomas Darsney. “[Young] has an incredible sensitivity to nature, meditation and healing that reflects beautifully in her art,” says Fusco. In addition, Darsney, a realist figurative painter, is “doing amazing work... very, very colorful. It’s sublime,” Fusco says. “People are very excited about his work.”
Public programming will be going on every day and is included with admission to the show. Be sure not to miss a Saturday panel with American Art Collector editor Joshua Rose, who will lead a discussion with Evan Beard of U.S. Trust on the financial aspects of art collecting. Topics include art investments and unlocking the capital power in your collection. On Sunday afternoon, attendees can join fine art photographer Larry Ledermen as he discusses his newest book, Frederic Church’s Olana on the Hudson: Art, Landscape, and Architecture.