Atlanta Art Fair returns to Pullman Yards Sept. 25–28 with an expanded slate of installations, talks, performances, and cultural collaborations alongside booths from regional, national, and international galleries. Highlights include Marc Horowitz’s three-minute “Live Portraits” with Quarter Gallery, Flux Projects’s multi-screen installation “Between You and Me,” and guest curator Melissa Messina’s exhibition “Third Ear, Second Skin” with Krista Clark, Sonya Yong James, and Vadis Turner. New this year: the Balentine Prize for an emerging artist from Atlanta or the greater South, plus a High Museum Viktor & Rolf pop-up previewing its fall exhibit.
To help first-timers and seasoned fairgoers make the most of it, we spoke with Atlanta Art Fair artistic director Nato Thompson and host committee member Esohe Galbreath. Both are seasoned international art fair attendees. They’ve done the rounds across the globe “collecting, networking, and exploring” as Galbreath puts it, and their core advice aligns: A little planning unlocks a lot of joy.
Collect with Confidence
Both Thompson and Galbreath suggest starting with some homework. “Go to the fair’s website,” Galbreath says. “Look to see what galleries are going to be there, and the artists they’re going to be displaying.” Pre-fair, she explains, she’ll browse gallery sites and social feeds to create a short list.
Set a budget, and be upfront. If prices aren’t posted, ask. Many galleries accept credit cards. Payment plans might be available on a case-by-case basis. Again, ask.
Work the Room, Follow Up Later
One reason to attend the fair is critical mass: The greater Southeast’s art ecosystem in one place. One could potentially find community—or collectors there. Galbreath and her husband, Atlanta artist George Galbreath, regularly travel with other collectors they met at various art fairs. However, both Galbreath and Thompson advocate for maintaining proper etiquette. Booths are working sales floor. Keep introductions brief and follow up after the fair if you’re not ready to buy just yet.
Thompson suggests artists use the fair to observe how galleries present work and to meet people, then request a portfolio review later. However, keep in mind, he says, that art fair booths are snapshots versus the totality of the whole art world. What you’ll see at the Atlanta Art Fair reflects what galleries believe will sell here over the week. Their offerings likely vary by market. Beyond booths, look for talks and events to meet collectors and cultural partners; sign up for gallery mailing lists to stay informed.
Read more:
• Where artists thrive: Artful ATL makes space for Atlanta’s creative future
• Pullman Yards to host inaugural Atlanta Art Fair
See More, Stress Less
Lean into the creativity. “There’s no rule of what you’re supposed to like,” Thompson says. “The goal is to have fun. Art is fun.”
Practical comfort helps. Galbreath’s “artfully dressed” uniform begins with very walkable shoes and layers for shifting temperatures, indoors and outdoors. She also suggests bringing a small tote (notebook, pen, charger, etc.) and pacing yourself. Build in breaks and note the locations of food vendors.
From there, the rest is logistics. Plan your Atlanta Art Fair experience at theatlantaartfair.com
