Springtime in New York is glorious beyond words. But more than catching Central Park in bloom, the season bursts with art and design events that enrich the soul. Timed for Sotheby’s May auctions, premier art fairs from Frieze to TEFAF, and dazzling design exhibits, please enjoy our tips for where to go and what to see. You’re sure to come away inspired and renewed.
TEFAF
Kicking off the art market’s spring season here, The European Fine Art Foundation’s TEFAF New York fair takes over the Park Avenue Armory. Lisson Gallery (showing Anish Kapoor, Richard Long, Rodney Graham), David Zwirner (showing Josef Albers) and R & Company (showing Roberto Lugo, Katie Stout) are among 90+ exhibitors from May 12-16, with an invitation-only preview on May 11.
tefaf.com
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Nearly two dozen top architects and designers are combining their talents for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Following a three-year hiatus, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s fundraiser resumes from May 11-June 6, with honorary chair Bunny Williams and chairs Jamie Drake and Alexa Hampton. Sponsors including Dedar, Benjamin Moore and Kravet are also transforming Manhattan’s historic River Mansion.
kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org
Frieze New York
Frieze New York returns to The Shed for its 11th edition from May 17-21, with an online viewing room from May 10-22. Several first-time exhibitors including Derosia, Emalin, Whistle and Arcadia Missa are participating in the intimate fair totaling 60+ galleries and nonprofits from 27 countries. Naturally, there will be strong New York representation. Offsite projects are on view starting May 15.
frieze.com
Sotheby’s Spring Auctions
Touching on works dating from the 19th to the 21st centuries, Sotheby’s presents its New York Sales from May 16-19. The action begins with The Mo Ostin Collection Evening Auction of the legendary music mogul’s masterworks by Picasso, Magritte, Basquiat and more. Have your pick of the staggering array of Impressionism, Modernism and Contemporary art throughout this exciting time of year.
sothebys.com
NADA & Independent Fairs
NADA relocates to 548 West for its ninth edition from May 18-21. Within the approximately 90 international galleries, art spaces and nonprofits, 31 are making their fair debut. Visit the online viewing room, as well as Night Gallery’s group show “Hot Glue” at NADA East Broadway from May 12-June 17. Independent New York features 70 galleries at Spring Studios from May 11-14.
newartdealers.org | independenthq.com
NYCxDESIGN Festival
The decade-old NYCxDESIGN Festival returns from May 18-25. Along with main events like the International Contemporary Furniture Fair and WantedDesign Manhattan, both of which will be held at the Javits Center, the citywide initiative presents hundreds of exhibitions and events from Herman Miller showroom’s vintage pieces to Parsons School of Design’s festival. Design Pavilion forum further hosts Design Talks and the Design Market.
festival.nycxdesign.org
