This time last week I was gearing up for one last big day in New York City to check out a final round of the Outsider Art Fair. I saw a lot, we did a lot, and I’m still extremely exhausted. While I wanted to get these uploaded sooner, between back to school teaching and the nightly wrestling match my boys put me through, I’ve been in bed by 9pm every night since I’ve been home.
Being at the Outsider Art Fair for my third straight year now was a thrill and a privilege. The warmth, the joy, and the kindness from everyone at the fair, from patrons and staff to artists and gallerists. It seemed like everyone had a smile on their face the entire time! It couldn’t have been a more enjoyable experience. There is something so comforting about the artwork and artists who participate in the Outsider Art Fair, I hope everyone has the chance to make it there one day.
Not only did my beautiful wife and I attend the Outsider Art Fair, we were luckily enough to check out the Christie’s Outsider Art Auction, attend Ricco/Maresca’s Winter Party, see the incredible Iranian Art Brut exhibit at Cavin-Morris Gallery, and make the pilgrimage to the Ukrainian Museum to see the Maria Prymachenko: Glory to Ukraine show. I really need to spend more time in New York!
A big shout out to all friends, new and old, like Montrel Beverly for the brilliant pipe cleaner hug, LJ from ArtButMakeItSports for the mutual admiration of Outsider Art and lovely conversation, and Mr. Jerry Saltz for his kind words as we both gazed deeply and intently at “CC”‘s rugs.
“Great to run into you! Keep up the great work! Thank you for all you do.”
— Jerry Saltz, to me
Also, including but not limited to, so great to see Sherry Pardee of the Pardee Collection and John Drury who I’ve learned a lot from, Duff Lindsay of Lindsay Gallery who always has great stories to tell and Nancy Josephson with her incredible artwork, Jennifer Gilbert of Jennifer Lauren Gallery who has the most exciting of booths, Tom di Maria of Creative Growth who is so generous with his time and indulges me with numerous Judith Scott stories.
Plus, Mr. Art Brut Vegan himself, Freddy Mireles, who we could have talked art environments for days (thanks Narrow Larry for the connect), Alyson Vega whose work was featured at Fountain House Gallery, Debra Kerr, Claire Fassnacht and Co. from Intuit in Chicago, Cara Zimmerman for the tour at Christie’s, the folks at Forest Grove Preserve, and Ryan Ward at The Ruffed Grouse Gallery who had one of the coolest booths at the entire fair.
The absolute warmest and sincerest thank you to SAGE Studio & Gallery for their generosity in New York City and for doing the outstanding work they do.
It was a pleasure to continue to build a relationship and catch up with Lucy and Katie, and it was a treasure to meet the one and only Chris Cody, Woodley White, and the aforementioned Montrel Beverly, who I will never forget the looks on the peoples faces when he walked into the hotel elevator with his incredible pipe cleaner jacket.
Please enjoy all the photos and videos of all the awe-inspiring artwork. And if you’re curious to know a little more about my absolute favorite works of the weekend, sign up for the B-B-Bonus “This Week in Outsider Art” newsletter which comes out every Wednesday morning.
Much love.
Outsider Art Fair Highlights
Christie’s Outsider Art Auction
Maria Prymachenko: Glory to Ukraine
Cavin-Morris Gallery: Iranian Art Brut & More
Ricco/Maresca Gallery Winter Party
Outsider Art Fair Photo Dump
Nearly every photo taken from the 2024 Outsider Art Fair.
