Cheers to the Return of Seattle Art Fair!

Welcome back, Seattle Art Fair!

After a two year pause, this highlight of summer returns July 21-24, with 85 top local, national and international galleries exhibiting at Lumen Field Event Center. Seattle Art Fair‘s anticipated sixth edition will also highlight the region’s museums and institutions while featuring innovative installations, events, talks, and performances curated by author and curator Nato Thompson, returning again as the fair’s Artistic Director.

Courtesy Seattle Art Fair

The Fair has become a destination for both locals and visitors, a mix of serious collectors and those who just enjoy seeing the wide variety of art from galleries visiting from around the globe. Originally founded in 2015 by Paul G. Allen, the Seattle Art Fair is produced by Art Market Productions and hailed as a “one-of-a-kind destination for the best in modern and contemporary art and a showcase for the vibrant arts community of the Pacific Northwest. “

Courtesy Seattle Art Fair

My attendance tips? Go more than once!

Because it’s quite large, with so much to see,  I like to go more than once to take it all in. I typically attend the opening on Thursday night for the festive party atmosphere, but return at least once more for a full day to browse all the offerings. Make sure to take a break for a snack or drink, wear comfortable shoes, and create some sort of methodical approach to the booths. Don’t be shy about engaging with the galleries, ask questions and learn more about the art that appeals to you.

Also not to miss: Forest For the Trees

Once you’re at the Art Fair you’ll be quite near the historic Railspur Building in Pioneer Square, where tens of thousands of feet of of open space are being activated by Forest for the Trees, featuring seven floors of art, more than 100 artists, live music, bars and rooftop installations.  Most of it is free admission. Learn more from our friends at Crosscut and The Seattle Times.

The historic Railspur building will host Forest for the Trees.

If you’re also hoping to explore more of Seattle’s art galleries and art museums, (and you really should!) check out this new neighborhood-based map and guide created by AMcE Creative Arts.

Advance tickets to the Seattle Art Fair are available online. For more information, and a full list of participating galleries, visit seattleartfair.com. It’s a popular weekend in Seattle, so a word to the wise: book your hotel soon!  And join the conversation on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook by following @SeattleArtFair and @VisitSeattle.

About the Author

Tracey Wickersham

Tracey Wickersham is the Senior Director of Cultural Tourism at Visit Seattle. A volunteer dj & host of a long running music program on KBCS 91.3 FM, she spent 6 years on the board of 4Culture, supporting arts, heritage, public art and historic preservation in King County. You'll often find her at the Tractor Tavern enjoying great bands, exploring one of the region's beautiful parks with her spunky blue heeler mix, or in one of Seattle's many live theater venues.

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