Today in the Hamptons, Upstairs Art Fair returns for its third edition. Open through Sunday and free to the public, the Amagansett-based fair—founded by Harper’s Books and Half Gallery—is located on the top level of a three-floor red barn with a salon-style presentation. This year, Erin Goldberger, owner of New Release and director of Half Gallery, helped facilitate the cultural happening. In addition to welcoming back an array of unique talents, the fair also has a few newcomers, including Jack Hanley and CANADA.
To learn more about the fair and how it influences the community, Whitewall spoke with Goldberger.
WHITEWALL: Can you tell us a bit about the 3rd annual Upstairs Art Fair?
ERIN GOLDBERGER: The 3rd iteration of the Upstairs Art Fair is a mix of galleries that have been participating each year as well as fresh faces such as CANADA, Deli Gallery, Jack Hanley Gallery, Jack Barrett, Marinaro Gallery, Bill Brady Gallery, and Anna Zorina Gallery. The fair creates strong exposure not just for these galleries out east, but more importantly, for the artists. I’m specifically excited to see Matthew Leifheit‘s photographs with Deli Gallery, Dani Orchard‘s paintings with Jack Hanley Gallery and RJ Supa‘s sculptures with Marinaro Gallery.
WW: What does the fair aim to create for the community?
EG: The Upstairs Art Fair is free and open to the public. Much of the work at the fair is at an affordable price point for young collectors. The engagement with attendees is something the galleries look forward to, as there seems to be more time for significant dialogue than at larger fairs. Local artists, old and young, have always been a large portion of visitors that creates a richer atmosphere as well.
WW: Can you tell us a bit about the unique setting of the fair?
EG: I believe viewing art in an environment other than a white box can allow for more creativity. Within the barn setting at the Upstairs Art Fair, gallerists are able to curate their artists into a unique space, finding a nook for a sculpture, a stairwell for a painting or even displaying works outside as Ellie Rines, owner of 56 Henry, has done in previous years.
