Art Off the Main, the ground-breaking exposition showcasing Caribbean art returns to the Metropolitan Pavilion North, 110 West 19th Street, New York, from October 2 – 5, 2008.
This historic event feature works created in Africa, the Caribbean, South and Central America as well as works by artists of such ancestry who live and work elsewhere. Over forty international exhibitors provide collectors, curators, and critics the opportunity to see some of the most exciting and innovative works of art being produced and to be part of a new global awakening in the arts.
Art Off the Main opens with Paint It Pink , a gala reception, on Thursday, October 2, 6pm-10pm; proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Young Survival Coalition the only international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer.
This four-day event will exude the energy and excitement so characteristic of the peoples and cultures of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. In explaining the rationale for this show Crawford says, “It is the culmination of a long-held dream of staging a fine art festival that bridges a Pan-African, Pan-Caribbean cultural identity and showcase underexposed artistic talents from these regions. With the recent surge in museum and gallery exhibitions featuring Latin American, contemporary African and Caribbean Art, and record auction values in the world’s art capitals, it is no surprise that for the past 4 years , Art Off the Main has received bright reviews and an enthusiastic audience. With the shift in demographics of the U.S. population and a new cultural awakening, Art Off The Main is fitting and timely”.
One important element of the fair is a lecture series featuring art scholars, artists and curators. This forum will increase public knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art from the Caribbean.
Art Off the Main is produced by Loris Crawford, the Caribbean-born, Founder and Director of Savacou gallery, and a leader in the promotion of Caribbean art. General admission to the show is $15; tickets to Paint It Pink, the opening night benefit are $50 and $90. For tickets or additional information, contact Crawford Billings Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 1658, New York, NY 10276; 646-438-9958 or visit artoffthemain.com