Last Saturday, I experienced the Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) for the first time. HFAS is the largest exhibition of artists from the African Diaspora in the United States. Since 2009, HFAS has had over 80,000+ visitors, traveled to 10+ cities, and showcased 100+ artists and galleries.
I learned about this art fair by following Pencil on Paper Gallery’s Instagram account. I planned to be in New York City as I bought my tickets months in advance to check out the Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibitions. Essentially, the timing to discover the HFAS was divine.
A couple of days after I learned about HFAS, I did something I rarely would do as I am an independent entity and not with a large following: I contacted the Press department of the HFAS to find out if I could receive press access to cover HFAS. I sent my pitch and received the approval! As a team of one, these moments fuel me to keep going. My work combines my love of arts and Black culture, making the entry point for art more accessible, the money from my wallet, and paid newsletter subscriptions. The “yes” I received was all I needed, but the “yes” gave me so much more.
The Harlem Fine Arts Show proved to be an eye-opening and essential experience I hadn’t previously known about. Attending an art fair where every participant, from artists to gallery owners to art advisors, was Black was truly powerful for me. Stepping into the Glasshouse venue and witnessing Black culture and the art community showcased so beautifully was both affirming and validating. As someone who graduated with a degree in Art History a decade ago, I never had access to such spaces which might of propelled me into seeking full-time work in the field if I saw us. In many ways, it felt like attending HFAS was a long-awaited Art Homecoming.
During my visit to the fair, I attended the Art Talk sessions, delving into discussions on topics such as “Reclaiming Narratives: Black Art in Modern Museums & Galleries” and “The Power of Black Women in Art: Past, Present, and Future.” Although I wished I could have stayed longer to attend all the discussions, I had a tight deadline as I had a prior reservation confirmed for the Brooklyn Museum.
Between exploring booths, listening to art talks, and connecting with individuals, I learned to follow my Instagram account (I was surprised but deeply honored). I wish my time there was longer, which I will make sure I do next year because I am going back. After my experience, the art fair should be on everyone’s list from new art enthusiasts to collectors, you need to be there. Below, I am highlighting those I connected with at the fair with whom I had great conversations, so please support them.
If you want a deeper glimpse into HFAS, I recommend viewing their Program Guide & Magazine for this year’s show.
Thank you to Theresa from HFAS for this opportunity!
Dr. Valerie Bennett Gillespie is an independent curator and gallerist based in Dallas. In the booth, Emmanuel Gillespie on display. Emmanuel works with mixed media in both 2D and 3D form. This spring, the gallery will be present at the 2024 Dallas Art Fair. The gallery will exhibit art from Abi Salami, Elyse Hradecky and Jessica Vollrath at their booth. You can follow the gallery on Instagram at pencilonpapergallery.
Phyllis and Dodji Gbedemah’s gallery is based in Harlem, NY. This gallery is dedicated to serve the underrepresented artists of the African Diaspora. The gallery owners were so inspired by the richness of Africa, its Culture and People that they could not wait to get started upon their return from the continent to New York City. The gallery is hosting their annual Women’s History Month Exhibition.The exhibition will run from March 02, 2024 to March 23, 2024. The theme is “Stronger Together”. For artists, please feel free to submit here. You can follow them on Instagram at kente_royal_gallery.
Dontae T. Muse specializes in artist business development, event support, and curation. With over 17 years of experience in the art and design industry, specializing in creative direction, art consultancy, curation, and marketing communications. You can follow Dontae on Instagram at iamdmuse.
Rodney LoveJones is the Founder & Creative Director of Graphite House. Known as an artist representation boutique firm that is dedicated to championing and showcasing the talent of new and emerging contemporary Black Artists. Additionally, Graphite House takes pride in curating exhibitions and organizing immersive art experiences that showcase the diversity and artistic excellence within the African diaspora. You can follow them on Instagram @mygraphitehouse.
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