Event review: Dallas Art Fair at Fashion Industry Gallery

The quality of art at the fair was amazing, and not just from a financial standpoint.

Photo by Sarah Colodney

The second annual Dallas Art Fair took place at the Fashion Industry Gallery this past weekend – and from all accounts it was a roaring success. Sponsored by the likes of Veuve Clicquot (24 hour champagne diet anyone? — well only if you could sneak into the VIP lounge), Sotheby’s, Neiman Marcus, & Rosewood Hotels, among others – the event had strong international support.

Over 800 guests attended the sold-out $200-per-ticket preview gala with proceeds going to Booker T. Washington School. The actual fair was well attended, far surpassing the 5,500+ visitors from last year. Unofficial reports, based primarily off of the large grins across gallery owners faces, predict that sales were also through the roof. Gallery owners I did speak with all concurred with my findings. “Dallas collectors have deep pockets,” said one anonymous dealer.

Photo by Sarah Colodney

Like all successful fairs, numerous satellite projects launched over the weekend including the Arts in the District fair, 20+ gallery show openings, and a new alternative space.

The quality of art at the fair was amazing, and not just from a financial standpoint. When asked if gallery owners from out of town had to tame down their collections for the conservative Dallas audience, most replied that Dallas collectors had surprisingly sophisticated and contemporary taste when it comes to buying art.

Why does this matter to the average non–collector? Because these are the people who donate art to local museums, sponsor artist shows, and dictate the type of art projects which will be brought to Dallas -- and ultimately viewed by the likes of us.