Exciting New Art Fair Coming to Austin, Texas in May
In May, Austin, Texas, will play host to an exciting new addition to the art world’s bustling calendar with the launch of the Friends Fair. This inaugural event, running from May 15, is the brainchild of a dynamic group comprising five Austin galleries: grayDUCK, Ivester Contemporary, Martha’s, McLennon Pen Co., and Northern–Southern. United under the banner of Friends of Galleries (FOG), these galleries have been fostering a spirit of collaboration for about a year and a half, organizing events at their respective spaces as well as other venues around Austin to engage with collectors and patrons.
The Genesis of Friends Fair
The inception of Friends Fair can be traced back to the camaraderie cultivated through the FOG events, which inspired the group to embark on a more formal annual endeavor. Reflecting on their journey, dealer Jill McLennon, who established McLennon Pen Co. in Austin two years ago, emphasized, “We all have different styles, but we all think thoughtfully about our programming, and we just felt aligned.” The collective vision of the participating galleries was to create a platform that would bring together diverse artistic voices and foster a sense of unity within the Austin art community.
Expanding Horizons
The debut edition of Friends Fair will feature not only the five FOG members but also five galleries from outside Austin, including 12.26 (from Dallas and Los Angeles), Dutton and Half Gallery (both from New York), Inman Gallery (Houston), and Megan Mulrooney Gallery (Los Angeles). Megan Mulrooney herself expressed enthusiasm for participating in Austin’s burgeoning arts scene, noting, “We’re thrilled to join our friends to present emerging contemporary artists to young Texan collectors. We’re ready to engage in the spirit of the Texas frontier.”
Looking Ahead
As the group gears up for the inaugural fair, cofounder Ricky Morales of Martha’s shared insights into their strategic approach, emphasizing a desire to “start smaller and more grassroots” to refine their processes before expanding. This deliberate method, often seen as a litmus test for a fair’s longevity, underscores the commitment of the organizing team to deliver a memorable experience for attendees. Choosing the Loren Hotel Austin as the venue for Friends Fair was a decision rooted in the establishment’s demonstrated dedication to fostering the local art scene, further solidifying the event’s ties with the thriving arts community in Austin.
A Growing Arts Landscape in Texas
The launch of Friends Fair in Austin reflects a broader trend of expansion within the Texas art market. The state has seen a surge in art-related activities, with established fairs like the Dallas Art Fair and the Dallas Invitational already making a mark. Morales underscored the significance of this moment, referencing the upcoming launch of Untitled in Houston as a catalyst for their own initiative in Austin. The collective aim is to ensure that the city is well-represented in the contemporary art landscape, leveraging its unique cultural heritage and vibrant artistic community.
A Vibrant Hub for Contemporary Art
Despite its smaller scale compared to art scenes in cities like Dallas and Houston, Austin’s contemporary art scene is gaining momentum. Morales highlighted the city’s rich artistic heritage, often overshadowed by its reputation as a music hub, and expressed optimism about changing perceptions through events like Friends Fair. McLennon, who made the transition from New York to Austin, echoed this sentiment, describing the city as a dynamic and evolving space ripe for artistic exploration.
Personalizing the Art Experience
For McLennon, the appeal of Austin lies in its burgeoning tech sector and youthful demographic, offering a promising opportunity to cultivate a new generation of art enthusiasts. She shared her excitement about connecting with individuals who are making their first forays into collecting art, emphasizing the potential to shape lifelong passions through engaging with contemporary art. This personal touch underscores the transformative power of art in fostering connections and enriching lives.
A New Chapter for Austin
As Austin prepares to host its first major art fair, the stage is set for a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community spirit. The upcoming Friends Fair promises to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary art, bringing together a diverse array of voices and perspectives in a city known for its vibrant cultural tapestry. Morales summed up the essence of the event, noting, “What people can expect is young galleries, fresh voices, new perspectives in a city that already has a lot of history as being artistic. Now, we want to showcase what we have from the visual standpoint.” The countdown to May 15 has begun, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Austin’s artistic evolution.
