Art Southampton Opens Today
If there were any remaining questions as to whether the South Fork could support three art fairs, their continued return over the past few years should quell them.
This week’s returnee is Art Southampton, an offshoot of Nick Korniloff’s Art Miami empire, which includes that main fair, held each December during Art Basel Miami Beach week, and a variety of others he hosts, either in Miami or, now, in Silicon Valley.
This is the third iteration of the fair in Southampton, held on the grounds of the Elks Club on County Road 39. While the other fair organizers here prefer Bridgehampton’s centrality to east and west, Mr. Korniloff said last week that he likes the proximity of the fair to the highway and the visitors he gains from those traveling back and forth from the city.
He will have 83 galleries this year, just a few less than last year, but, he said, with a costlier inventory. “I’ve learned this market can support investment-quality work at a substantial price point,” he said, “one that had not been achieved prior to us entering the market.” One German gallery will bring a Roy Lichtenstein sculpture with a seven-figure tag.
The gallery mix will be both national and international, with some familiar names from Miami and quite a few new ones, as well as South Fork dealers, many making return appearances. The list of local names includes ARDT, Birnam Wood, Eric Firestone, Gallery Valentine, Keszler, Lawrence Fine Art, McNeill Art Group, and Peter Marcelle Project. The galleries will be both from the primary and secondary markets.
While he is often asked why he doesn’t mount the fair when ArtHamptons and Art Market Hamptons hold theirs, the weekend after July 4, he said he chose this week because he likes to be here the same weekend as the benefits for Watermill Center and Rush for Life, as well as Super Saturday.
This year, Art Southampton has partnered with the Parrish Art Museum in addition to Southampton Hospital, its regular beneficiary, and the Ross School and the Southampton Fresh Air Home.
In addition to a preview party tonight, there will be a program of frequent talks on art market-related matters throughout the run of the fair. They have been organized in partnership with One Art Nation. Speakers will include Hunt Slonem and Gracie Mansion as well as Jennifer Cross, an artist and instructor at the Ross School.
The fair will be open to the public at noon tomorrow through Monday. Tomorrow it will close at 8 p.m., and at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Monday’s hours are noon to 5 p.m. A one-day pass is $25, $40 for multiple days, with significant discounts for students and those over 65. Children under 12 will be admitted free.