On Thursday, January 22, 2015, Metro Curates will open to the public at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Formerly known as the Metro Show, this year’s fair will feature a wide range of offerings, including ethnographic objects, applied and decorative arts, historic and contemporary textiles, and modern and contemporary fine art and design. According to Caroline Lerch, the show’s Director, “We believe that the new name best reflects the curatorial aims of the fair.”
Organized by The Art Fair Company, the producers of a long line of prestigious shows, including SOFA CHICAGO and the AADLA Spring Show NYC, Metro Curates presents works in a remarkably unique and thoughtful manner. Exhibitors are asked to feature a single artist or themed exhibit in their booths, creating a swath of interestingly juxtapositioned displays that span a variety of movements, genres, and oeuvres. In addition to the specially curated booths, the intimate scale of the show allows visitors to spend time with each exhibitor and fully absorb and appreciate the compellingly diverse selection of materials.
Among this year’s participants are returning exhibitors such as American Primitive, Hill Gallery, Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques, Just Folk, M. Finkel & Daughter, Ricco Maresca Gallery, and Steven S. Powers, as well as a roster of newcomers, including Forum Gallery, American Garage, and Leatherwood Antiques. Among the must-see objects are a painted story quilt by Faith Ringgold (Forum Gallery), a battle flag created by Tiffany & Co. in 1861 (Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques), and a work by outsider artist Martin Ramirez featuring a male deer, one of his most recognized motifs (Ricco Maresca Gallery).
On Thursday, January 22, at 10AM, three of New York City’s foremost interior designers will participate in a lively panel discussion entitled “Past to Present: Design Beyond the Boundaries.” Sponsored by Metro Curates and moderated by Wendy Goodman, the Design Editor of New York magazine, the panel discussion will feature go-to design authorities and premier tastemakers, Antonino Buzzetta, Sara Gilbane, and Patrick Mele. Immediately following the design panel, famed designer, author, and collector Jack Lenor Larsen will present the LongHouse Award for Design Excellence for best Metro Curates booth design.
Buzzetta, who has worked alongside some of the most recognized names in the design industry, including Philip Gorrivan and David Scott, collaborates with his clients to create classically elegant yet decidedly modern interiors. Using artworks and furnishings from different periods and movements, striking pops of color, and bold geometries, Buzzetta creates spaces that are glamorous yet refined. Click HERE to see projects by Antonino Buzzetta on InCollect.
Named one of the Top 20 New Wave Designers by House Beautiful and one of Traditional Home’s Top 20 New Traditional Designers, Sara Gilbane is best known for her modern-traditional style that combines classic and elegant pieces with an exuberant twist. Gilbane’s chic and livable interiors have been featured in The New York Times, Elle Decor, Better Homes and Gardens, and The New York Observer. Click HERE to see projects by Sara Gilbane on InCollect.
Patrick Mele, who has designed environments for Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Bond No. 9, J. Crew, and Schumaker, creates interiors that capture the unique personalities of his clients. Mele’s bold and sophisticated style is rooted in his passion for a wide range of periods and styles as well as the relationships between art, architecture, design, and fashion. Click HERE to see projects by Patrick Mele on InCollect.
Metro Curates will also include an educational series entitled “Metro Dialogues: Curating Without Borders,” which will take place on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24. The series will be centered on the theme, Collecticism -- or collecting across genres. The featured lectures will touch on a variety of topics, including the role of the anonymous artist in American folk art, Vernacular Photography, an upcoming documentary film about the self-taught artist Bill Traylor, the art and design of the quilt, the contemporary ceramicist Kirk Mangus, and Art Brut.
A VIP preview will be held on Wednesday, January 21, from 6-7 PM and a public preview will take place from 7-9PM. The opening preview sponsoring partner is The HighBoy. Metro Curates will remain open to the public through Sunday, January 25.
