Seems that lately everywhere you look there is an art fair. Just this next week is the annual pilgrimage to “Art Basel Miami Beach.” In the midst of ABMB, our nations most prestigious art fair, there are literally hundreds of galleries hocking their wares in satellite art fairs. There are more satellite fairs this year than ever. “Pulse” comes to mind, as does “Scope.” While in my opinion these first three fairs carry the highest caliber of artists, they in no way carry the best work. There is something here for every collector. Other art fairs fed by ABMB are Art Miami, Miami’s longest running art fair now in it’s 19th year, Pool Art, Aqua Art Miami, Bridge Miami Beach, Bridge Winwood, FLOW, photo Miami, NADA, Art Now Fair, The Artists Fair, artASIA, AIPAD Photography Show, DIVA, INK, Design Miami, GEISAI Miami, Red Dot Art Fair, Sea and Gen Art’s Vanguard Art Fair. Have I left anyone out? Let me know, please!

Some of the most uneven work inevitably comes from ABMB where the last few seasons have shown a drop in quality but encouragingly this helps sustain the satellites which are usually more experimental and energetic. I do wonder what this year will hold considering the current state of our economy. I know several of the gallerists participating in the fairs this year and many are holding their breath. Here’s to hoping great success for them because a bleeddown from Miami could cause considerable repercussions as Miami is a good bellweather for the coming new year.

Here’s to great art. The audacity of art.