Artexpo New York Allows Couples to Peruse and Purchase Unique Artwork on Dates

The Short Version: Couples looking for an artsy and enriching date can attend Artexpo New York, which will be held October 28-31 on Pier 36. This exposition will feature works by established artists as well as emerging talent. Attendees can explore the galleries and purchase any piece of artwork they’d like to add to their collection. Artexpo New York is one of the country’s most well-respected art marketplaces, and it is currently celebrating its 43rd year. 

Artexpo New York is a visual playground with unique artwork on display. Throughout its history, the exhibition has hosted some of the world’s most famous artists, including Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Leroy Neiman.

Couples can make a date of the expo and peruse new works of art. They may even find a piece that they want to take home and hang on their walls. That is the appeal of Artexpo New York: Some of the art world’s biggest names exhibit next to emerging artists. Among the works in the exhibit is a piece called “Mindfullness” by the artist known as Gatsby. It depicts a pink brain is lacquered onto a background of red “Fragile” stickers. Graffiti on the brain reads “Handle with care.” The piece has been priced at $4,000. 

Another striking piece called “Tripping on Brooklyn Bridge — Red” depicts an enormous red elephant marching across the famous landmark with the New York City skyline in the background. This work of art was created by Lars Tunebo and is worth over $4,000. 

A of a wild stallion titled “Bosco” by artist Connie Müller sold for $600 dollars. 

A Salvadore Dali-esque piece features a blue sky, a purple cloth, a rose, and a disembodied arm. This is “Adrenaline” by Tamaz Kh. The piece retails for tens of thousands of dollars. 

These are just a few of the paintings that will be available at Artexpo New York, which is hosting its 43th annual event this fall. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s opening about a year and a half later than expected. Historically, the art show has been held in the spring, but it had to be canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, and it has been delayed for safety reasons throughout 2021.

Couples can make a date of the expo and peruse new works of art. They may even find a piece that they want to take home and hang on their walls. That is the appeal of Artexpo New York: some of the art world’s biggest names exhibit next to emerging artists. 

“If you like art, it’s a full spectrum of all kinds of art. Everything from fine art photography to paintings to sculpture, mixed media work. We also have two or three major installations. There are things you wouldn’t see anywhere else,” said Linda Mariano, Managing Director of Marketing for the Redwood Art Group, the company that puts on the show. You can follow their Instagram stories for live updates.

Artexpo New York has been in operation for more than 40 years — minus one COVID year. After extended delays, 2021 is officially the 43th iteration of the exhibition. Come fall, it will continue its proud tradition of supporting artists and enriching the art world.

Linda told us that Artexpo New York is the original art fair marketplace. 

“Over 40 years ago, it was the place where people from all over the world would come to buy art. It was a trade show then,” she explained. “It was for gallery owners and art dealers. People would literally be lined up around the block and would run in to find the artist to buy the art.” 

Well-known artists have built their careers by exhibiting at Artexpo New York. It’s a space where talent meets appreciation. Couples on dates can expand their horizons and expand their art collection at the same time. Some visitors enjoy supporting up-and-coming artists while others go after the works of their favorite established artists.

Attendees from past Artexpos have praised the art event for its innovative vision and accessible framing of the art world.

One woman said she and her husband visited the gallery on a rainy Saturday and stayed for hours. “What a great time we had, very interesting artists, loads of great conversations with some very artistic individuals,” she wrote in her review. “This was our second year attending, and it was not a disappointment. Just make sure you wear some comfortable shoes. LOVED IT!”

Another attendee said visiting the gallery with friends was a wonderful experience. “Loved being in the space with so much creativity, beauty and imagination. Enjoyed speaking with several artists to get an understanding of their work,” the reviewer said.

A third person raved, “Great show! Wish I won the lottery… so much gorgeous art and access to the artists made the works even more personal. Classy — and the food service was fabulous!”

Artexpo New York was — and still is — the first fine art fair of its kind, and it only comes once a year, so art lovers tend to be pretty excited about it.

Most attendees of Artexpo New York are dual-income couples who are older than 45. Some young people, including college students, can mix into the crowd as well. These folks tend to be diverse in background but share an appreciation for art and culture.

“We know they’re music and art lovers. They’re foodies. They love to travel. Art, which is always a demonstration or capture of culture, becomes part of that. Absorbing the culture and world around you. I think their experience at Artexpo New York fits with that demographic perfectly,” said Linda. 

Couples can get tickets for Artexpo New York for one day, two days, or all three days. A person who is a patron of the arts, an influencer, or an artist can also request VIP Access to the event. 

The first day, Thursday, is for gallerists and other trade professionals only. The expo opens to the public on Friday and runs through the weekend. “Friday opens to the public, which is always exciting. There’s music, and our wine sponsor does wine tastings,” Linda told us. “It’s a place where you can find an emerging artist, an established artist, art publishers — they’re all there exhibiting.”

Couples can expect to see new works at Artexpo New York. Almost all exhibitors create original pieces for the exhibition. 

If couples want to add a work to their art collections, they can take a look around and discover a full range of prices.

“No matter what your budget might be, whether you’re just starting an art collection or have an established one, there are price points ranging from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars,” Linda told us. 

For decades, the Artexpo New York has been held in the springtime every year. But that unfortunately was not the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibitors have had to be flexible to meet local restrictions and adapt to a changing landscape. Now the Artexpo is ready to open its doors in October for the first time.

“It was rescheduled from its usual time frame because of the pandemic. It will be fun to have the show in the fall this year,” said Linda. “We’re excited to have things opened up again.”

If couples can’t make a date in New York, they can check out the Redwood Art Group’s art fairs in other cities. In December, Linda and her team will host two fairs as part of Miami Art Week. 

After over a year of social distancing, Linda said she knows that art lovers are looking forward to returning to the fairs and connecting with their creators. This year’s event promises to be a chance to come together in difficult times and find an emotional outlet through art. It also happens to be a great opportunity for local daters to support the art community.

“Our objective is to bring artists and galleries and collectors and people who love art together. It’s always fun to host Artexpo New York and see people enjoying the art and making connections with the artist and gallerists and finding art that they love. That’s always a wonderful thing to see and be a part of,” said Linda.