Life is art, so just paint the dream.

Founded in 1962, the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) is a non-profit organization that supports the economic and cultural contributions of the nation’s leading art galleries, via a plethora of resources, lectures, discussions, forums and the likes all year round. The Art Show itself was held in February 2018 at the Park Avenue Armory in support of the Henry Street Settlement. This year marked the 30th year anniversary, and there was a showcase of diverse artists, periods and geographies that exhibited their work and allowed for an intimate one-to-one connection with the artists and art. All admission from The Art Show and proceeds from the Gala Preview benefitted the Henry Street Settlement, one of New York’s leading social service, arts, and health care organizations. This year, The Art Show raised over $1.3 million for the venerable nonprofit. As part of both the show and the preview gala, I had a great time understanding the motivations and stories of both modern artists and traditional ones.

The modernist art combined quotes (a personal favorite) from all walks of life, either in isolation or as etchings on wooden trees on barren canvases. As well as metallic sculptures on 2D surfaces harnessing biology, trigonometry and a mix of science to showcase art, with one seemingly social media style piece of art spotted.

The more traditional forms embraced oil painting and watercolors to create canvases of scenery, food, mythical creatures, animals and more, with a mix of color and black-and-white work which could work on a plethora of wall textures, colors and patterns.

Overall, it was a pleasure to be part of the longest running art show in America, one that inspired both the inner artist as well as the interior designer.