Why Art Fairs Matter

In the art world, there are galleries that abound, big art fairs where celebrity artists, collectors, and curators flock, and then, on the other end of the gamut, there are smaller local fairs where community artists show local residents their work. These smaller fairs have an importance to their communities.
 

Art Fairs Support Communities

When you go to local art fairs, you see art in the context of the community that inspired it, and in these times when communities are consistently starting to look more and more like each other, local art can give its city a sense of identity.

 

 

University of Pennsylvania researchers demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion and lower poverty rates. A vibrant arts community ensures that young people are not left to be raised solely in a pop culture and tabloid marketplace.
 

By helping create a unique sense of place for a community, art shows help attract tourists and new residents to a city, and the shows give these residents the opportunity to network and socialize.
 

Smaller Fairs Help Local Artists

Smaller art fairs allow local artists to show and sell their work without having to travel and transport their goods. This is important, but it is even more important that local art fairs give artists an opportunity to meet each other and get to know what is going on in their local art world.
 

These shows also give artists an opportunity to build a market for their art, so that they can continue to support their efforts and build their talents.

 

 

Picasso said, “The purpose of art is to wash the dust of daily life off our souls.” Local artists and art fairs give their communities a daily opportunity to rediscover beauty, imagination, and deep thought.  
 

I'm lucky that where I live that there are a number of art fairs. For the past couple of years I have participated and it has helped widen my horizon. It's also very gratifying when total stranger comment on your art and buy it. ;-)

 

Here is a watercolour by Alan Bain, a local artist who exhibits in small art fairs.

 

What do you think about local art fairs?  Do you participate? Leave your comments below.

 

Danielle