In the News

2023

With Mystery Tattoos, Sustainably Minded Sculptures, and Gold-Accented Concert Posters, the Seattle Art Fair Revels in an Eclectic Selection

A large-scale installation by Jeffrey Gibson, just announced as the U.S. representative for the 2024 Venice Biennale, is a highlight.

July 28, 2023 | Artnet
Seattle Art Fair 2023 opens to ‘Great Excitement over all’

The Thursday evening opening night drew roughly 5,000 people, an SAF representative said, with 20,000 to 25,000 people expected over the entire weekend. The fair seems to have started with a bang, with various dealers reporting solid sales and throngs of art enthusiasts crowding the booths.

July 28, 2023 | Seattle Times
Blurred lines between art and tech: AI’s impact on creativity elicits excitement — and some fear

In a building that used to be a grocery store in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood this week, the future of art and technology converged in a display and discussion around how artificial intelligence is impacting creativity. The event at The Grocery Studios, organized as part of this week’s Seattle Art Fair, featured a poet and a painter in the home studio of two artists/tech workers whose own career and personal pursuits illustrate how the intersection between art and tech can blend and blur.

July 28, 2023 | GeekWire
Here Are 10 Things You Should See at Seattle Art Fair 2023 This Weekend July 28, 2023 | Everout
Things to Do in Seattle July 27, 2023 | Seattle Met
10 of the best things to do in & around Seattle this weekend (July 28-30) July 27, 2023 | Curiocity
What’s Up This Weekend: Your PNW Events Guide July 28-30 July 27, 2023 | Seattle Refined
ArtSEA: Previewing the Seattle Art Fair and its indie alternatives July 27, 2023 | Crosscut
This Week in Culture

Admire Tariqa Waters’s large-scale paper sculpture or Catalina Ouyang’s installation featuring a horse tibia while connecting with art lovers and gallerists alike.

July 26, 2023 | Cultured Magazine
Stranger Suggests: Seattle Art Fair, Octavia Butler Avenue Dedication, Blackberries, Renegade Edo and Paris: Japanese Prints, VOTE!!! July 26, 2023 | The Stranger
Where to Find the Black Art at Seattle Art Fair July 26, 2023 | Arte Noir
What to see at Seattle Art Fair 2023

At this year’s Seattle Art Fair (July 27-30 at Lumen Field Event Center), you could tell someone to “get a surprise tattoo” or “touch grass,” and you’d actually be making sense.

July 20, 2023 | The Seattle Times
Ballard SeafoodFest, West Seattle Summer Fest and more summer festivals

Galleries will arrive from all over the world, including Italy, Japan, Argentina and South Korea, but there will be a bountiful mix of local offerings, too. Where else could you let your fingers run through a faux-grass field made of steel wires, pondering the meaning of the phrase “touch grass,” or reflect on wordsmithing and tech innovation through an AI-powered poetry mixed-media installation?

July 14, 2023 | The Seattle Times
Seattles Art Scene Shines at the Seattle Art Fair July 14, 2023 | Visit Seattle
Seattle Art Fair Returns This Summer July 05, 2023 | Hyperallergic
Seattle Art Fair returns this month and here’s what to expect July 05, 2023 | Curiocity
The Best Things To Do in Seattle This Month: July 2023

If the fair is anything like last year's, it'll be a hectic weekend of avant-garde, artsy goodness that rivals its pre-pandemic days.

June 29, 2023 | EverOut
The Best Things To Do in Seattle This Month: July 2023 June 28, 2023 | Everout
Seattle Art Fair Showcases Diversity and Pushes the Boundaries of Artistic Expression

As the Seattle Art Fair opens its doors, it invites visitors to embark on a journey of artistic discovery, pushing the boundaries of creativity and embracing the diversity of perspectives. With its stellar lineup of public projects and interactive installations, this year’s fair promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

June 26, 2023 | Seattle Met
The Must List for May 18, 2023 May 18, 2023 | Seattle Mag
Seattle Travel Guide: Everything You Should Know March 03, 2023 | Travel Noir

2022

A colorful look inside the Seattle Art Fair July 22, 2022 | Seattle Times
Seattle Art Fair returns after a two year hiatus. Here are three works to check out July 22, 2022 | KUOW
ArtSEA: Best bets for the Seattle Art Fair July 21, 2022 | Crosscut
After a Two-Year Hiatus, the Seattle Art Fair Returns July 21, 2022 | Cultured Mag
Previewing the Seattle Art Fair happening Thursday July 21, 2022 | Yahoo News
Guide to the Seattle Art Fair July 18, 2022 | Seattle Met
Cheers to the return of Seattle Art Fair! July 18, 2022 | Visit Seattle
10 of the best things to do in Seattle this week (July 18-22) July 17, 2022 | Curiocity
The Seattle Art Fair is Back, Baby!! July 14, 2022 | The Stranger
7 works to see at the 2022 Seattle Art Fair July 13, 2022 | The Seattle Times
What’s in store for the 2022 Seattle Art Fair July 13, 2022 | The Seattle Times
Embark on an Art Adventure at Seattle Art Fair July 05, 2022 | Hyperallergic
Seattle Art Fair returns later this month & here’s what to expect July 04, 2022 | Curiocity
Things to do in Seattle this July July 01, 2022 | Crosscut
Your Guide to July 2022 Events in Seattle June 29, 2022 | Everout
Art Fairs Across The Country You Should Visit In 2022 April 26, 2022 | Brit + Co

2019

Stephanie Dinkins Is Turning Memoir Into AI

A man leans in close and asks, Why do you exist? The bulbous vessel, with three faces protruding from its golden surface, replies: I am about broad engagement and attracting people to a space who may not be there otherwise.

August 15, 2019 | Garage
Art Industry News: Collectors Will Send an Artwork Into Space on a Mission to Measure Climate Change in Africa + Other Stories

The Frye Art Museum acquired four new works for its collection from the Seattle Art Fair, using $50,000 set aside for this purpose as part of a two-year partnership with the fair.

August 06, 2019 | artnet News
Frye Art Museum acquires works by four artists from the 2019 Seattle Art Fair

The Seattle Art Fair announced the Frye Art Museum has selected four artworks from the fifth edition of the fair, expanding the museum’s permanent collection with a total of six artworks over the course of the two-year partnership between the art fair and Seattle institution. 

August 06, 2019 | Art Daily
‘The Seattle Art Fair Is Still Kicking’: How the Event Is Recalibrating After the Death of Founder Paul Allen and High-Profile Gallery Defections

In Seattle’s art world and beyond, the subject of whether or not the Seattle Art Fair could withstand losing its founder, the billionaire philanthropist Paul Allen, has been the subject of a great deal of public chatter.

August 05, 2019 | artnet News
ARTnews in Brief: Joslyn Art Museum Names Associate Curator of Native American Art, and More

Using $25,000 in funds given to the institution by the Seattle Art Fair, the Frye Art Museum has acquired four works.

August 05, 2019 | ArtNews
It’s All About the Tubmans at Seattle Art Fair

It might seem tiresome to note that commercial art fairs exist to make money first and foremost, but there are at least a few people still unclear on the subject.

August 05, 2019 | Vanguard
Review: Seattle Art Fair 2019

Last weekend, the Seattle Art Fair opened its doors for the fifth time, welcoming Seattleites to discover nearly 100 galleries, special performances, and interactive installations. The fair hosted galleries from all over the world, presenting an eclectic look at fine art through a variety of mediums.

August 05, 2019 | Juxtapoz
Seattle Art Fair 2019

Over the weekend flocks of art collectors and enthusiast converged at the Seattle Art Fair for the 5th edition at the CenturyLink Field Event Center.

August 05, 2019 | Flaunt
Seattle Art Fair 2019: Anthony White, Heather Day, Aaron Johnson, Dan Gluibizzi, and Anthony James

The Seattle Art Fair happened. I was there.

August 05, 2019 | The Stranger
The Best of the Booths at Seattle Art Fair 2019

What makes a booth at Seattle Art Fair the best? One hears all the time that art is subjective—and it is—especially in this case, one’s favorite isn’t always “the best.”

August 03, 2019 | Vanguard
Artist works to merge artificial intelligence and art

At Seattle Art Fair, a glistening, golden object propped upon a wooden platform blabbers on as visitors circumambulate the display.

August 02, 2019 | The Seattle Times
Lights, sculptures and bread at Seattle Art Fair

Seattle Art Fair, featuring works from more than 100 galleries from around the world, continues through Sunday at CenturyLink Field Event Center.

August 02, 2019 | The Seattle Times
Opening night action at Seattle Art Fair

It’s opening night at Seattle Art Fair and there’s something for everyone — whether you enjoy browsing art (museum-style) or buying art (collector-style) or pressing your face into bread products (social-media style).

August 02, 2019 | Crosscut
Seattle Art Fair, Despite New Challenges, Is a Site for Discovery

The primary function of an art fair is a marketplace: a venue for dealers to sell as much work as possible to real, interested collectors.

August 02, 2019 | Observer
Seattle Art Fair is the shiny new kid on the block this weekend

The Blue Angels roared into Seattle this week, ushering in the 70th annual Seafair weekend. But for the past four years Seafair has shared the civic celebration spotlight with the shiny new kid on the block: the Seattle Art Fair, the brainchild of the late philanthropist, Paul Allen.

August 02, 2019 | KUOW
Instagram’s Favorite Food Performance Artist Will Be Smashing Her Face Into Bread at Art Fair

Art and carb lovers take note. This weekend, the social media star Bread Face — who has accumulated nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram for videos of her smashing her face into bread — will be running an interactive installation called Self Facing at Seattle Art Fair this weekend.

August 01, 2019 | Eater
Must List: Seattle Art Fair, CID Block party, Jet Blast Bash

It’s time to get artsy. This iconic Pacific Northwest fair is showcasing artwork from local, national and international galleries, giving viewers a chance to compare collector pieces from Washington state and beyond.

August 01, 2019 | Seattle Magazine
Things to do in Seattle

It’s that time of year again — when the blocks surrounding the SoDo sports venues are suddenly filled with fans of a different stripe: arts aficionados.

August 01, 2019 | Crosscut
29 Festivals to Check Out in the Seattle Area This Weekend

With another summer weekend comes another torrent of festivals for all your sunny vacation longings.

July 31, 2019 | The Stranger
Community calendar for Aug. 2-8: Seattle Art Fair, Umjoa Fest, Naval Aviation Fly Day and more

Foul weather, a group leader's illness, insufficient sign-ups - many situations can cancel or cause schedule changes for events and outings. To be certain of your plans, always check before you go. 

July 31, 2019 | The Seattle Times
Here Are Five Must-See Booths to Seek Out at the Fifth Edition of the Seattle Art Fair

With 108 exhibitors participating at the fifth annual fair, there is a lot to take in. We've selected a few highlights to seek out.

July 31, 2019 | artnet
Seattle Art Fair | Frye Art Museum

In an effort to expand cultural engagement within the Seattle community, the Seattle Art Fair and the Frye Art Museum have extended their partnership into 2019.

July 31, 2019 | Flaunt
Weekend Arts: Your Guide to First Thursday, Seattle Art Fair 2019 Satellite Events, and More

This weekend—or rather, Thursday through Sunday—is one of the biggest and busiest periods for the Seattle art scene, thanks to the excitement of the massive fifth annual Seattle Art Fair at the CenturyLink Field Event Center. 

July 31, 2019 | The Stranger
Exhibitor Sneak Peek: Seattle Art Fair 2019

This week, the Seattle Art Fair, presented by A.I.G., returns to the Emerald City to host nearly 100 galleries alongside daily events, talks and special installations for its fifth edition taking place August 1st through August 4th, 2019.

July 30, 2019 | Juxtapoz
Q&A: Nato Thompson Shakes Things Up in His Second Year as Seattle Art Fair’s Artistic Director

With the proliferation of art fairs—and both the pressure it exerts and possibilities it presents for galleries—the question of what long-term effect this rapid expansion will have has inevitably arisen.

July 30, 2019 | Observer
This Year’s Seattle Art Fair Promises to Be a Raucous Affair. Here are 3 Works You Won’t Want to Miss

This year's event is bringing fair goers AI art, earthquakes, and a member of Pearl Jam. (It is Seattle, after all.)

July 30, 2019 | artnet News
What to See at the Seattle Art Fair

The four-day event returns for its fifth year, this time with nods to artificial intelligence, earthquake simulations, and new programming that sparks curiosity.

July 30, 2019 | Gray Magazine
21 Best Things To Do in Seattle in August 2019

Our handpicked list of the best bets for entertainment this month.

July 29, 2019 | Seattle Magazine
GeekWire Calendar Picks: Tech at The Seattle Art Fair; blockchain convention; and DIY hardware development

For the fifth year in a row, artists from the Pacific Northwest will showcase their work at The Seattle Art Fair beginning on Aug. 1 at the CenturyLink Field Event Center. 

July 26, 2019 | GeekWire
Let’s Talk About Bread Face

The internet is a weird place, no one can argue that. Small moments of happiness and connection to humankind are swiftly tempered by the strange, uncomfortable and usually negative aspects of the web.

July 25, 2019 | Juxtapoz
Pearl Jam Guitarist Mike McCready’ Infinite Color and Sound Art Project Hits the Road

Infinite Color and Sound, the multimedia project led by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and visual artist Kate Neckel, will embark on a tour this summer beginning with an appearance at the Seattle Art Fair. Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will join them for a performance there on August 2nd at 5 p.m.

July 25, 2019 | Rolling Stone
Seattle Art Fair 2019 Aims to Be a Room of Wonder

“I’m really enamored with how wild this one is,” Nato Thompson says about Seattle Art Fair, which returns to CenturyLink Field Event Center next week for its fifth year. 

July 24, 2019 | Seattle Met
Art Industry News: Art Dealer in Jeffrey Epstein’s Circle Likened Him to a Modern-Day ‘Maharaja’ + Other Stories

The Seattle Art Fair, which runs August 1–4, has renewed its partnership with the Frye Art Museum, which is working to expand its contemporary art holdings and build ties with Seattle’s younger art collectors.

July 24, 2019 | artnet
Here’s what to expect from the huge Seattle Art Fair 2019 – and how you can join in

Seattle Art Fair turns 5 this year. Since its 2015 founding by Paul Allen, the fair has been a huge party. Tens of thousands of people — some flying in from around the world — congregate over four days at the CenturyLink Field Event Center to check out modern and contemporary art from a hundred or so commercial galleries from cities including New York, Berlin, Tokyo and, yes, Seattle.

July 24, 2019 | The Seattle Times
Seattle Art Fair renews partnership with Frye Art Museum

The Seattle Art Fair, presented by AIG, is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Frye Art Museum, fulfilling a two-year commitment to expand the museum’s permanent collection and further increasing engagement with Seattle’s cultural community year-round.

July 23, 2019 | Seattle Weekly
The Top Things to Do in Seattle This August

Last year’s Seattle Art Fair saw huge robots battling, a scale model of the solar system that spanned downtown, and 14-foot-tall puppets. 

July 23, 2019 | Seattle Met
Here’s Our Definitive Guide to the Key Art Fairs Taking Place Around the World for the Rest of 2019

The dog days of summer may be upon us, but soon enough the art fair season will kick into full swing. So why not start marking your calendar now with the more than 100 fairs around the globe in the second half of 2019? 

July 23, 2019 | artnet
ARTnews in Brief: Baltimore Gets a Center for Matisse Studies and More from July 25, 2019

For the second year in a row, the Seattle Art Fair will offer the city’s Frye Art Museum a $25,000 budget for purchasing works on view in the show.

July 22, 2019 | ArtNews
The Wonder of Breadface: Seattle Art Fair’s 2019 Star

This year's Seattle Art Fair, curated by Nato Thompson, explores the post-human and redefines contemporary art. The star of the fair is Instagram ASMR phenom @breadfaceblog. 

July 22, 2019 | Cultured Magazine
Seattle Art Fair Returns Aug. 1

The Seattle Art Fair, presented by AIG, is proud to announce the exhibitor list and on-site programming for its fifth edition. From August 1-4, 2019, the Seattle Art Fair will host daily talks, special projects, and performances, in addition to nearly 100 galleries from around the world.

July 15, 2019 | Seattle Weekly
The 5 Top Destinations for Art and Design Lovers in August

If you haven’t taken a trip by the time August rolls around, it’s your last chance to savor the dog days of summer before things get busy again. The Seattle Art Fair will pop up at the beginning of the month, giving this Pacific Northwest city a jolt of energy. 

July 08, 2019 | Architectural Digest
Seattle Art Fair Announces 2019 Exhibitor List

Have you ever been to Seattle in the Summer? If you haven't, and Seattle is on your bucket list, then might we suggest going the first week of August. Why? Well the Seattle Fair is back for its fifth edition and they just announced their exhibitor list and it's GOOD. 

June 07, 2019 | Art Zealous
Here’s the Exhibitor List for the 2019 Seattle Art Fair

The fifth edition of the Seattle Art Fair, slated for August 1-4 at the city's CenturyLink Field Event Center, will bring together close to 100 international galleries and include special programming focused on what a release describes as "curiosity and wonder." 

June 03, 2019 | ArtNews
Seattle Art Fair 2019 Announces Exhibitor List and Programming Which Includes Bread Face. Hot.

The Seattle Art Fair (SAF), now in its fifth year, just announced its 2019 exhibitor list and on-site programming. Taking place from August 1-4 and organized around the theme of "curiosity and wonder," the fair will host daily talks, special projects, performances, and nearly 100 exhibitors from around the globe. 

June 03, 2019 | The Stranger
Seattle Art Fair announces 2019 exhibitor list & programming featuring earthquake simulations and AI robot

The Seattle Art Fair, presented by AIG, announced the exhibitor list and on-site programing for its fifth edition. 

June 03, 2019 | Art Daily

2018

Strong Women on the March at Seattle Art Fair

Female-themed art at the Seattle Art Fair included 30 hanging facial sculptures from DNA obtained from Chelsea Manning, the transgender woman and former military analyst, by Heather Dewey-Hagborg.Credit

August 12, 2018 | The New York Times
The Best of Seattle with Max Fishko

Max Fishko, who is a part of the Seattle Art Fair Leadership Team, told BLOUIN ARTINFO that in addition to the art fair, the city has great stuff going on year-round, from the Olympic Sculpture Park to the Frye Art Museum that visitors can enjoy.

August 05, 2018 | ArtInfo
A nerd’s tour of the Seattle Art Fair: Fighting robots, animated neurons, and flying art debris

The 2018 Seattle Art Fair, which opened Thursday and runs through Sunday at CenturyLink Field Event Center, tucks all kinds of technological and science-fictional nods into the artworks from more than 100 galleries in ten countries.

August 05, 2018 | GeekWire
Seattle Art Fair 2018: The Superlatives of the Booths

Seattle Art Fair 2018 is coming to a close, and we are feeling wiped…but we’re still going back for one more day. With so much art to see, and so much subjectivity in how one views art, one can’t really declare “top honors.” However, we’d still like to point out some exceptional displays. The galleries really brought it this year.

August 05, 2018 | Vanguard Seattle
The people have hashtagged: Our favorite Insta’s from Seattle Art Fair 2018

As the big event comes to a close, we’re taking some time to review some of the great Instagrams coming out of Seattle Art Fair 2018. Just walking through the fair, one can see which pieces are consistently catching eyes and becoming the background for profile pics. Here are some choice ones.

August 05, 2018 | Vanguard Seattle
What to see at the Seattle Art Fair, from dystopian tech to the outer reaches of the solar system

The fair's artistic director Nato Thompson explains what sets this "underdog" event apart from the usual art fair frenzy

August 04, 2018 | The Art Newspaper
Art Fair or Marvel Movie? The Seattle Art Fair Kicks Off With an Epic Robot Battle (It’s Performance Art)

High-tech art took the spotlight at the latest edition of the Seattle Art Fair—but there were plenty of traditional works on hand, too.

August 03, 2018 | ArtNet
Larry Gagosian Curates Showstopping Booth at the Seattle Art Fair, and Other Opening Day Observations

Gagosian even goes so far as to acknowledge Seattle as a city of tomorrow

August 03, 2018 | Galerie Magazine
The Seattle Art Fair features exhibitors from 10 countries

The fourth annual Seattle Art Fair continues through Sunday, Aug. 5, at the CenturyLink Field Event Center. This year, exhibitors from 10 countries have spaces on the center floor.

August 03, 2018 | The Seattle Times
Seattle Art Fair 2018: First Impressions and Highlights to Come

The party has officially started. The fourth annual Seattle Art Fair kicked off last night, and it meets one’s expectations. There are over one hundred galleries participating, including some of the biggest names in the biz. The special programming isn’t quite as eye-catching overall, but some of it is especially timely and brilliant. And of course, there is a lot of superb art.

August 03, 2018 | Vanguard Seattle
The scene at the 2018 Seattle Art Fair

Seattle art gallery owner Greg Kucera was in a decidedly good mood Thursday afternoon. The Seattle Art Fair had just gotten underway but he had already sold almost all of Anthony White's exquisitely textured and vibrant paintings.

August 02, 2018 | Crosscut
Pee-wee’s Playhouse Designer Debuts Far-Out Work at the Seattle Art Fair

Wayne White counts collector Beth Rudin DeWoody among his fans

August 02, 2018 | Galerie Magazine
6 Booths at the Seattle Art Fair That You Can’t Afford to Miss

While you're enjoying some West Coast relaxation, make sure you check out these top-notch booths at the fair.

August 01, 2018 | ArtNet
New Seattle Art Fair Artistic Director on Exploring the Good, Bad and Ugly of Tech

Philly native Nato Thompson says this year’s fourth annual expo will explore changing forces within Seattle’s art scene

August 01, 2018 | Seattle Magazine
Preview: Seattle Art Fair and Pioneer Square’s Weekend of Art Abundance

Take in the main event if you can afford it—the $35 and up art extravaganza taking place this weekend at Century Link Event Center—or check out these equally exciting (and free!) satellite happenings

August 01, 2018 | Seattle Magazine
Seattle Art Fair Arrives This Week. Get Yourself to CenturyLink.

The city’s biggest visual art event runs through the weekend and includes a scaled replica of the solar system, some robots, giant puppets, and an art satellite.

August 01, 2018 | Seattle Met
All’s Fair in Love and Art

The Seattle Art Fair stands out from its peers, but it’s still finding its footing in our tech-driven city.

August 01, 2018 | Seattle Weekly
Chris Burden’s ‘Scale Model of the Solar System’ to be presented at Seattle Art Fair + Beyond

The Seattle Art Fair announced an additional installation by legendary conceptual artist Chris Burden has been added to this year’s on-site programming. 

July 30, 2018 | Art Daily
Robots, Giant Puppets and a Satellite: What To Expect at the Seattle Art Fair

The Seattle Art Fair returns for a fourth time with eye-catching contemporary art and revolutionary programming.

July 30, 2018 | Culture Trip
What the Seattle Art Fair has for you

More than 100 galleries from 34 cities in ten countries will take part in the Fair this year; Thompson’s job is to create atmosphere. His varied menu of panel discussions, video installations and artistic flights of fancy should lend a note of carnival festivity to the four-day event that begins Aug. 2.

July 27, 2018 | Crosscut
Seattle Art Fair 2018: robots, puppets and million-dollar paintings part of this year’s extravaganza

Seattle Art Fair, back for its fourth year, has become a major event, attracting tens of thousands of people from around the world and setting the Seattle arts scene ablaze with gossip, speculation and satellite events. 

July 26, 2018 | The Seattle Times
‘Word painting’ artist Wayne White brings 14-foot-tall puppets to the Seattle Art Fair

When artist Wayne White comes here to participate in the Seattle Art Fair next month, he will unveil two, 14-foot-tall puppets created to honor Louisa and Mary Ann Boren. The piece, called “Here Come the Boren Sisters,” is not just a nod to the sisters, but also to “Here Come the Brides,” a love-and-lumberjacks show that ran from 1968-70.

July 26, 2018 | The Seattle Times
Nato Thompson Take On The Seattle Art Fair

After a decade at Creative Time and a current role as Artistic Director of Philadelphia Contemporary, curator Nato Thompson’s next endeavor is the fourth edition of the Seattle Art Fair, which opens August 2. As the fair’s Artistic Director, Thompson will oversee the curation of site-specific installations. We caught up with the curator to talk about the vision he is bringing to Seattle.

July 24, 2018 | Cultured Magazine
Seattle Art Fair Launches Acquisition Fund for Frye Art Museum

The Seattle Art Fair has announced that it is entering into a new partnership with the city’s Frye Art Museum. The upcoming edition of the fair will give the institution $25,000 to acquire works from its more than one hundred exhibitors.

July 20, 2018 | Artforum
Seattle Art Fair Establishes $25,000 Acquisition Fund for Frye Art Museum

The Seattle Art Fair has established an acquisition fund with the Frye Art Museum to add works from the fair to the institution’s collection.

July 19, 2018 | ARTNEWS
What Organizers Are Planning for the 2018 Seattle Art Fair

The programs and special exhibitions planned for Seattle Art Fair not only look backward and forward, but inward to the self and outward to the stars. Artistic director Nato Thompson (formerly of New York's Creative Time and now at Philadelphia Contemporary) has curated additional talks and projects that explore the themes of technology, history, and identity.

July 18, 2018 | The Stranger
How to Be an Art Collector in Seattle

Seattle Art Fair, coming up August 2–5, is well worth the admission fee, says Seattle Art Museum CEO Kimerly Rorschach, because it’s “a great resource” and way cheaper than a plane ticket to Basel or Miami or New York.

July 13, 2018 | Seattle Business Magazine
Design and Art Lovers Will Want to Visit These 5 Places in August

August is prime time for summer travel, and if you haven’t planned a trip yet, now is the time to do so...On the west coast, the Emerald City entices with its Pacific Coast charm, perfect weather (for this time of year, anyway), and an art fair that’s becoming a major attraction. 

July 09, 2018 | Architectural Digest
Seattle Art Fair Artistic Director Nato Thompson Brings Robots, Giant Puppets, And A Satellite To Fourth Edition

The Seattle Art Fair, presented by AIG, is proud to announce this year's on-site programming, curated by the fair's Artistic Director, Nato Thompson. From August 2-5, the Seattle Art Fair will host daily talks, special projects, and performances, in addition to the over 100 participating galleries from around the world.

June 19, 2018 | BroadwayWorld.com
Seattle Art Fair Announces Programming for Its Fourth Edition

It’s the inaugural year for Seattle Art Fair’s new artistic director, Nato Thompson, and today the fair detailed the programming that the curator and writer has in store, which has a futuristic and political bent.

June 18, 2018 | ARTNEWS
The Best Art Shows & Events in Seattle: Summer 2018

Hit a museum or gallery this summer, and you'll be rewarded with everything from dreamy installations to work by one of the most important figurative artists of the 20th century to Pearl Jam memorabilia. And that's not to mention the art event of the season, the Seattle Art Fair, where you can see all types of art in one place. 

June 06, 2018 | The Stranger
Seattle Art Fair Announces Its Exhibitors for the 2018 Fair

The 2018 Seattle Art Fair will boast a diverse roster of local, national, and international galleries representing 34 cities from 10 countries, including 23 international galleries.

May 18, 2018 | The Stranger
Here’s the Exhibitor List for the 2018 Seattle Art Fair

The Seattle Art Fair has announced the exhibitor list for its fourth edition, which will run from August 2 through August 5 at the Washington city’s CenturyLink Field Event Center.

May 17, 2018 | ARTNEWS
Art Industry News: Fearless Girl Will Stay in NYC for All Eternity + More Must-Read Stories

Art Industry News is a daily digest of the most consequential developments coming out of the art world and art market. Here’s what you need to know this Friday, February 16—Seattle Art Fair Names Nato Thompson Artistic Director

February 16, 2018 | Artnet News
Art Movements

Nato Thompson was appointed artistic director of the Seattle Art Fair’s fourth edition.

February 16, 2018 | Hyperallergic
Nato Thompson named artistic director of Seattle Art Fair

The Philadelphia-based curator sees opportunity to create dialogue between public artworks and the market

February 15, 2018 | The Art Newspaper
Nato Thompson Named Seattle Art Fair’s New Artistic Director

The Art Fair’s attendance and its roster of participating galleries have grown steadily since its inception, and now Thompson’s presence will give it greater critical and scholarly credibility. Although he hasn’t revealed any specific plans, he says he wants to do something “big” and “different.” Connecting politically engaged, activist artwork to a wide audience would be exactly that.

February 15, 2018 | CityArts
SEATTLE ART FAIR NAMES NATO THOMPSON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF ITS FOURTH EDITION

The Seattle Art Fair announced that Nato Thompson will serve as the artistic director for its fourth edition, taking place this summer from August 2 to August 5.

February 15, 2018 | Artforum
Seattle Art Fair Names Nato Thompson Artistic Director

Nato Thompson, the director of Philadelphia Contemporary, the multidisciplinary roving art institution in the city of brotherly love, has been tapped to be artistic director of the Seattle Art Fair, which runs from August 2 through 5 at the CenturyLink Field Event Center.

February 15, 2018 | ARTNEWS
Attention, Art Collectors: Here Is the Definitive Calendar of International Art Fairs for 2018

Mark your calendars, it's going to be a busy year.

January 29, 2018 | artnet News

2017

Third Edition of Seattle Art Fair Attract’s City’s Growing Tech Set

But for one weekend, a center built by a tech fortune drew in the Seattle community—from long-time collectors to the young, tattooed masses. The fair was a welcome and unpretentious respite from its counterparts in New York, boding well for future connection between the city’s contrasting factions.

August 07, 2017 | The Observer
The Third Seattle Art Fair Was the Biggest One Yet – Here’s What the Dealers Had to Say

It wasn’t just out-of-town dealers that were basking in a sales-induced bliss. “This year was beyond my expectations,” said Linda Hodges, whose booth emphasized young artists working with narrative storytelling themes.

August 07, 2017 | The Stranger
The vast Seattle Art Fair — 100 exhibitors! — brings plenty to discover

This year, the  art fair’s layout feels much more fluid and porous. It’s much easier to rove in and out, as one sees at other fairs, such as the Armory Show. You sometimes can’t tell where one booth ends and another begins without looking at the signage overhead. That’s great news for visitors, who want to be at ease as they look at the art. And hopefully it will be great news for the gallerists, too. When people can more easily fall in love with a work, they are more likely to take it home, after all.

August 06, 2017 | The Seattle TImes
What to See in Art Galleries This August

Among the A-list players, replacing the legion of boom until Sunday, are Gagosian, selling sculptures by the alchemical Italian Arte Povera sculptor Giuseppe Penone, and Zwirner, with drawings by the legendary cartoonist R. Crumb.

August 06, 2017 | The New Yorker
Seattle Art Fair solidifies standing in year three

Event adds blue-chip galleries and international flavour to attract national as well as regional collectors

August 05, 2017 | The Art Newspaper
Vying for Tech Collectors, Dealers at the Seattle Art Fair Try a Novel Approach: Old-Fashioned Art

In the fair’s third year, established and younger galleries alike are clearly trying to strike a balance between appealing to Seattle’s roster of old-guard collectors while also actively courting a younger generation of wealthy tech industrialists and international buyers. It makes for a varied, eclectic selection of art on offer.

August 04, 2017 | Artnet News
Seattle Art Fair Director Max Fishko on Introducing the Market to the Emerald City

Here, Max Fishko of Art Market Production speaks to Artspace about the challenges and rewards of directing the fair, and about what he's particularly looking forward to when the fair opens this Thursday evening.

August 01, 2017 | ArtSpace
5 FANTASTIC LEFT COAST ART GALLERIES AT SEATTLE ART FAIR 2017

Seattle Art Fair offers a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with some left coast galleries, big and small. It will help you get inspired to see some new art the next time you visit their part of the country.

July 31, 2017 | Vanguard Seattle
GRAY GUIDE: PNW GALLERY PICKS AT SEATTLE ART FAIR

While there’s no right way to do the Seattle Art Fair, we’ve rounded up some of the regional galleries and artists we’re most excited to check out.

July 31, 2017 | Gray Guide
Seattle Art Fair’s Third Edition Opens This Week

Now in its third edition, the fair includes 100 exhibitors from 10 countries. Over half the galleries are from the Pacific Rim, joining blue chip participants like Gagosian, David Zwirner, and Pace. Whitewall spoke with Laura Fried, the artistic director of the fair, about what to expect this year.

July 31, 2017 | Whitewall
Culture Calendar: 14 Things to Do in August 2017

Only in its third year, Seattle’s contemporary art fair has big ambitions, this year manifested in a dedication to large-scale installations and immersive experiences scattered throughout the city.

July 26, 2017 | Departures
These Are the Top 5 Design Destinations to Know About Now

The Seattle Art Fair returns to the Emerald City August 3–6, drawing culture vultures to this Pacific Northwest enclave. Blue-chip galleries including Gagosian, David Zwirner, and Pace will exhibit work as well as local institutions like James Harris and Greg Kucera. 

June 30, 2017 | Architectural Digest
Kurt Cobain’s ‘Incesticide’ Painting to Debut at Seattle Art Fair

The visual arts division of the United Talent Agency unearthed the artwork, which had remained in storage since Cobain's April 1994 death, and will debut the two never-before-shown works along with a selection of Cobain-owned notebooks.

June 28, 2017 | Rolling Stone
Kurt Cobain, a New Player in the Art-Fair World

Now, taking another step in that direction, United Talent Agency is participating in its first art fair — with a booth showcasing two never-before-exhibited paintings by Kurt Cobain at the Seattle Art Fair.

June 26, 2017 | The New York Times
Seattle Art Fair Adds Daily Dialogues and Special Projects, Featuring Jenny Holzer and W.I.T.C.H.

Highlights include a showing of works from Jenny Holzer’s “The Survival Series,” from the early ’80s, in the neighborhood of Pioneer Square, an installation by Los Angeles–based artists Dylan Mira and Erika Vogt that will treat Union Station to airs of inspiration from Korean spas, and a textiles/fashion presentation by the artist Ellen Lesperance devoted to W.I.T.C.H. (Women’s International Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell). 

June 05, 2017 | ARTNEWS
SEATTLE ART FAIR 2017: WHO’S SHOWING (INCLUDING SOME NEW FAVES)

It’s hard to believe that Seattle Art Fair 2017 is a little over three months away, August 4-6. The names of 80 galleries exhibiting have already been released, and the roster is the most international yet.

April 19, 2017 | Vanguard Seattle
Here Is the Exhibitor List for the 2017 Seattle Art Fair

The heavy hitters are all back for another round, including David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, and Pace Gallery. And newcomers include Galerie Perrotin, Night Gallery, and UTA Artist Space, the downtown Los Angeles gallery offshoot of the talent agency’s arts division.

April 19, 2017 | ARTNEWS
Seattle Grows Beyond Grunge

These join other blue-chip art spaces sponsored by the city’s tech billionaires, like the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre outdoor museum with works by Calder, Mark di Suvero, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois on a former industrial site down the hill from the Space Needle. It opened in 2007 with support from Jon Shirley, the former president of Microsoft and a prominent art collector who is now a chair of the Host Committee for the three-year-old Seattle Art Fair, which Vulcan co-produces. The event brings out-of-town galleries, including global heavyweights like David Zwirner, to complement the work of ambitious local galleries like James Harris and Mariane Ibrahim.

April 13, 2017 | Travel + Leisure
Seattle Art Fair will Return Aug. 3-6

Local gallerists on the 2017 dealer committee are James Harris and Greg Kucera; others are William Hathaway of L.A.’s Night Gallery and New Yorkers Lidia Andich of Gagosian Gallery, Robert Goff of David Zwirner  and from Pace Gallery, Elizabeth Sullivan. Laura Fried will also return as artistic director leading “development of the fair’s curatorial vision and innovative programming, including on-site and off-site installations, talks, performances, and presentations at the fair,” according to SAF. Max Fishko continues as director.

January 21, 2017 | The Seattle Times

2016

Agent Dale Cooper to Sit Down With Carrie Brownstein, and All is Right With the World

Sounds like Seattle is the place to be this August.

June 07, 2016 | Observer
Best of the Best 2016: Home – Art: Seattle Art Fair

By Sunday evening, red dots lined the walls, and more than a few big names had already vowed to return in 2016.

June 01, 2016 | Robb Report
Best Festivals and Fairs in Seattle This Summer

Founded by American entrepreneur Paul Allen, the inaugural Seattle Art Fair arrived with a bang last year, and the latest edition is expected to make an even bigger impact.

May 20, 2016 | TRAVELMAG
Seattle Art Fair and Out of Sight Rev Up for August

David Zwirner and Pace will be back. The LA heavy hitter Roberts & Tilton (representing Kehinde Wiley, among others) has joined the lineup, and so has New York stalwart Marlborough.

April 26, 2016 | The Stranger
Seattle Art Fair returns for Round 2: Roberts & Tilton and Marlborough among new galleries

The Seattle Art Fair has announced that the newly created role of artistic director will be filled by Laura Fried, an LA-based curator who formerly worked at the Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis. 

April 25, 2016 | The Seattle Times
Here Is the First Round of Exhibitors for the 2016 Seattle Art Fair

“Visitors to the Seattle Art Fair will have the unique opportunity to interact with these top galleries—a representation of the world’s finest exhibitors of modern and contemporary art—in an extremely intimate setting fit for great conversation and important acquisition.”

February 16, 2016 | ARTNEWS
Seattle Art Fair Appoints New Artistic Director for 2016 Edition

"This year's lineup boasts an impressive batch of exhibitors, counting David Zwirner and Pace as returning participants."

February 16, 2016 | ARTNEWS
Seattle’s art-world status is rising, brick by tiny brick

"Jeffrey Deitch, the former director of The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles told Times writer Tricia Romano at the time that Seattle was “a natural place for an art fair,” because of its plentiful public art, big-name private collectors such as Paul Allen and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and small but well-curated museums."

January 05, 2016 | The Seattle Times

2015

An Art Fair, Courtesy of Paul Allen, Premieres in Seattle

"The art world will descend on the Emerald City on July 30 for Seattle’s first large-scale art fair in years."

July 30, 2015 | The Observer
Preview Seattle Art Fair

The fair will bring together 62 galleries from around the world to the lively art scene of the Pacific Northwest, attracting some of the biggest galleries in the art world—including Gagosian, Pace, and David Zwirner. 

July 30, 2015 | ARTNEWS
Why Are Giant Bagels Scattered Around New York City?

"Seattle becomes the latest city to jockey for the “emerging art scene” label with its first-ever art fair, spearheaded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Expect a strong showing from heavy hitters such as the David Zwirner and the Gagosian Gallery, as well as local, burgeoning Pacific Northwest artists."

July 30, 2015 | Vanity Fair
7 Reasons Why the Seattle Art Fair Is Important for the Art World

"All art world eyes will be on Seattle this week, where the inaugural Seattle Art Fair opens on Thursday July 30."

July 29, 2015 | artnet news
Seattle Art Fair Is Giving $30,000 to Artist Trust

"I think it really speaks volumes of their commitment to this area," Artist Trust director Shannon Roach-Halberstadt told me yesterday. "It's so fantastic. The money will godirectly to individual artists in all disciplines across the state."

July 29, 2015 | The Stranger
Start Planning Your Weekend at the Seattle Art Fair Now

"There’s already an impressive buzz about it for an inaugural event." 

July 29, 2015 | The Stranger
Microsoft Mogul Paul Allen Hires Minneapolis Curator to Run New Seattle-Based Art Center

"Paul Allen's new art center may be another sign that the tech magnate wants to build Seattle into a new contemporary art hub."

July 28, 2015 | ARTFORUM
Seattle Art Fair wants to connect our artists with the world

“So far, there have been good art fairs and some great art fairs on the West Coast, but there hasn’t been a real international magnet on the West Coast of the United States, from a fair perspective. And I think we have an opportunity to do that here.”

July 28, 2015 | The Seattle Times
In Seattle, Microsoft Alums Foster an Art Scene that Defies Tech-Collector Stereotypes

"The Seattle Art Fair, whose inaugural edition will run from July 30th through August 2nd, is being co-produced by Paul Allen’s Vulcan Inc. and bringing top-tier galleries like Pace, Gagosian, and David Zwirner to the region for the first time (a very rare feat for a fledgling event). But it appears that the fair will not be just another attempt to match blue-chip artwork with tech money. A full 13 of the 62 exhibitors are from Seattle, with four more from Portland and two from Vancouver, BC. "

July 27, 2015 | Artsy
5 Art World Updates – Seattle Art Fair Gaining Buzz

"The fair promises to be one of the biggest in the country with Gagosian, Pace and David Zwirner Galleries already joining the list of exhibitors."

July 25, 2015 | Gertrude Blog
SLOG! Blabbermouth: Our Week-in-Review Podcast Looks at Housing Crisis Solutions, One Very Tiny Home, and an Art Fair!

"And then Stranger art critic Jen Graves drops by to tell us about the upcoming Seattle Art Fair, which was born out of a Paul Allen 'fever dream.' "

July 24, 2015 | The Stranger
Preview the Inaugural Seattle Art Fair

"With a rustic pavilion and lounge called Basecamp, designed by Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig, and a smattering of installations and programming overtaking the city, Seattle joins an increasingly populous map of Stateside collector destinations."

July 23, 2015 | Architectural Digest
Joshua Sofaer’s Rubbish Collection

"As a foretaste of the upcoming Seattle Art Fair, Seattle Art Museum is currently hosting a series of talks by contemporary artists about their practice."

July 17, 2015 | Memeteria by Thomas May
Welcome, Seattle Art Fair

"The inaugural Seattle Art Fair is set for July 30-August 2, and is shaping up to be a great reason to visit Seattle."

July 17, 2015 | Visit Seattle
Seattle Art Fair Hits CenturyLink

"If you think the drive across the border is beautiful to begin with (and we certainly do), just wait to see what Seattle Art Fair has in store on the other side."

July 15, 2015 | Vancouver Magazine
Pace, Gagosian, David Zwirner Among Top Galleries at Inaugural Seattle Art Fair This Weekend

The Seattle Art Fair will feature 50 leading local, regional, and international art galleries presenting top-tier modern and contemporary art.

July 07, 2015 | Artfixdaily
Seattle Art Fair is Born

"The list of exhibitors include names such as PACE, Paul Kasmin Gallery, James Cohan Gallery, Nancy Hoffman Gallery (all New York), G. Gibson Gallery, Greg Kucera Gallery, James Harris Gallery (all Seattle), Winston Wachter Fine Art (New York/ Seattle), Jonathan Ferrara Gallery (New Orleans), Gallery Jones, Monte Clark Gallery (Vancouver), Elizabeth Leach Gallery, PDX Contemporary, Platform Gallery (Portland), Kaikai Kiki (Tokyo) and Gana Art (Seoul) among many other prominent names from around the world."

July 06, 2015 | BLOUIN ArtInfo
The Final Frontier: Inaugural Seattle Art Fair to Open this Month

"It’s an impressive first effort; the co-production team of Art Market Productions and Vulcan Inc. have put together a sterling roster of exhibitors, spanning national and international galleries including the Gagosian, David Zwirner and Pace."

July 02, 2015 | Wallpaper
Why Are Gagosian, Pace, and Zwirner Signing On for the Seattle Art Fair?

“Seattle is an incredible city, very 21st-century, very prosperous and future-oriented, and with great art patronage," said Robert Goff, a director at David Zwirner Gallery.

July 02, 2015 | artnet News
SEATTLE ART FAIR

"The organizers give special attention to the side program of symposia, site-specific installations and the so called happenings across the city."

July 01, 2015 | ARTE!Brasileiros #30
All the funds of the fairs

"For the most prestigious events, a huge amount is done to ensure quality. They want to attract the best dealers, create a respected brand, and so impact on the long-term bottom line."

June 26, 2015 | Financial Times
Inaugural Seattle Art Fair Announces Lineup of Galleries

“For a first-time fair, it’s an incredibly interesting show,” said Max Fishko, director of Art Market Productions, which is organizing it with Mr. Allen’s company Vulcan. “You have got some of the biggest names in the art world, period, plus some excellent regional and local dealers.”

June 04, 2015 | The New York Times
Fondazione Prada Preps to Open, Tehran Mayor Decks Billboards in Famous Art, and More

"The Seattle Art Fair, the city’s first major event of its kind, announced a roster of 50 participants, which features a diverse, international lineup: James Cohan, Pace, and Paul Kasmin will participate when the fair opens on July 30, as will Seoul’s Gana Art and local dealer James Harris."

May 07, 2015 | BLOUIN ARTINFO
Morning Links: ‘My East is your West’ Edition

"James Cohan, Pace, and Paul Kasmin are a few of the major international galleries that will be represented."

May 07, 2015 | ARTNEWS
Paul Kasmin and Pace Gallery Join the Inaugural Seattle Art Fair

"When news broke in November that Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was teaming with Art Market Productions to bring an art fair to Seattle, all ears in the art world perked up."

May 06, 2015 | OBSERVER
Fair Enough?

"There's a lot of interest in Seattle right now from around the world, there's attention from the cultural centers. There's a reputation that this region has a lot to say."

April 27, 2015 | CityArts
Mega Collector Paul Allen Finds Wreckage of Japan’s Biggest WWII Warship, the IJN Musashi

"An avid art collector, Allen is also behind the Seattle Art Fair."

March 06, 2015 | artnet news
First Seattle Art Fair to feature approximately 40 leading local, regional, and international art galleries January 13, 2015 | Art Daily

2014

Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen Launches New Art Fair In Seattle

"Through cultural partnerships, the fair aims to be a destination for both local and international collectors whether new or established."

December 15, 2014 | artnet News
Vulcan’s Seattle Art Fair Will Not Be an Alien Mother Ship

"Director promises massive event will be of and for Seattle."

December 10, 2014 | The Stranger
Vulcan Is Sponsoring a Seattle Art Fair This Summer

"We want to draw people's interest beyond just another fair," Fishko says. The idea for a hybrid event came in part from looking not only at the grande dame of Venice, where exhibitions happen in every nook and cranny of the walking city, but also at smaller-scale, more imitable events like Prospect New Orleans and the Berlin Biennale.

December 01, 2014 | The Stranger
New Art Fair In Seattle

"Its aim is to make Seattle an art destination by using the city as a backdrop for art, much the way New Orleans does when it hosts Prospect 3, a contemporary-art biennial."

November 27, 2014 | The New York Times