The highly anticipated 9th edition of the Seattle Art Fair is set to open this Thursday at the Lumen Field Event Center, promising an exciting mix of art, culture, and community engagement.
Art Fair director Kelly Freeman anticipates even greater energy this year, stating, “We’ve placed a renewed emphasis on regional partnerships, working with institutions like the Museum of Glass Tacoma and Pilchuck Glass School, to shape a program that invites deeper connection, exploration, and dialogue.”
This year’s event will feature over 85 galleries, including 27 from Washington and 15 newcomers from the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the main fair, there will be off-site exhibitions, talks, and community events throughout the weekend.
Unlike many international art fairs that can feel overwhelming and disconnected, the Seattle Art Fair offers a more laid-back environment. It’s known for attracting a vibrant audience of gallerists, collectors, students, and art enthusiasts who come together to appreciate art in a welcoming space.
Freeman describes the fair as designed to be “accessible and thought-provoking,” inviting both seasoned art aficionados and first-time visitors to discover what the fair has to offer.
One of the standout themes this year is glass art, a medium deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest culture. Visitors can expect dynamic displays including live glassblowing at the fair’s entrance, courtesy of the Museum of Glass and Pilchuck’s Mobile Hot Shop.
Inside the fair, the Corning Museum of Glass will unveil a neon sculpture by local artist Kelsey Fernkopf, while the Pittsburgh Glass Center presents a powerful group show titled Nine Lives.
Fernkopf, who is known for his minimalistic and captivating work, will debut his large-scale installation, Constellation 3, which features vibrant colors and geometric shapes that create an immersive experience.
Freeman highlights the compelling nature of Fernkopf’s work, emphasizing its departure from traditional uses of neon towards a more abstract and free-standing design.
Meanwhile, TASWIRA Gallery, which will open a brick-and-mortar location in Pioneer Square in late 2024, celebrates its second showing at the Seattle Art Fair by featuring works from multidisciplinary artist Cristina Martinez.
Avery Barnes, the gallery’s founder, expresses admiration for Martinez’s ability to convey vulnerability through her art. Martinez’s colorful and bold expressions draw from her personal experiences and heritage.
“We’re committed to making art feel less intimidating and more connected to real life,” Martinez states, aiming to reach potential collectors of all backgrounds and experiences.
The fair’s programming also includes a variety of engaging discussions and panels. From balancing motherhood with a creative practice to rethinking archives through a queer lens, there are conversations that promise to provoke thought and inspire attendees.
Among the highlights is a conversation between local photographer Rafael Soldi and multidisciplinary artist Tarrah Krajnak, both of whom share roots in Peru. This dialogue will explore themes of identity, memory, and the relationship between photography and narrative.
Soldi emphasizes the importance of the Frye Art Museum’s innovative Boren Banner Series, which brings art outside the museum’s walls and engages the community through public installations.
Krajnak’s work, currently showcased at the Frye, transforms perceptions of Peruvian identity and architecture, blending personal experience with broader cultural conversations.
A notable participatory installation features Anida Yoeu Ali’s The Red Chador: Becoming Rogue, which invites fair visitors to engage with the garment worn by some Muslim women. Participants can try on chadors made from textiles sourced in Southeast Asia and share selfies, creating a collaborative art piece.
Overall, the Seattle Art Fair promises a weekend full of discovery, connection, and artistic celebration. As excited attendees prepare for the event, it’s clear that this year’s fair will continue to strengthen ties within the local creative community and inspire dialogue around the significance of art.
image source from：seattlemag
