Each year, just as the cherry blossoms begin to blanket the ground, art fairs descend upon Manhattan like pollen. You don’t have to be a serious collector to participate in the surge of smaller fairs across the city, but you will need a pair of arch-support sneakers to make your way through fairs and artistry in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Esther II (Murray Hill)
Esther, a boutique fair founded by the gallery Temnikova & Kasela, debuted last year — and joined the growing contingent of alternative art fairs. It drew eager crowds of fairgoers to the grand Beaux-Arts Estonian House, once a popular gathering space for Estonian refugees after World War II. This year Esther returns, with a pithy collection from European, Japanese and Baltic State galleries alongside a healthy display of works by New York artists. Entry is free. May 6-10 at New York Estonian House, 243 East 34th Street, Murray Hill, Manhattan; esther.ee.
NADA New York (Chelsea)
The New Art Dealers Alliance, which spotlights young galleries and emerging artists and curators, and is one of the larger exhibitors, is back with its annual fair, this time with an expanded selection: 120 galleries, art spaces and nonprofit organizations spanning 19 countries and 50 cities, including 54 first-time exhibitors and its Curated Spotlight, a special presentation of nine galleries and artists from Texas and Mexico. Another plus? If you’re going to Frieze at the Shed, NADA is just a few blocks away. Single-day tickets run $55; multiday passes are $75. Senior and student tickets are available on site for $35. May 7-11 at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th Street, Manhattan; newartdealers.org.
Clio Art Fair (Chelsea)
Clio, which bills itself as the anti-fair for independent artists, returns for its 11th year. The fair focuses on artists without gallery representation, which means browsers can expect an eclectic mix of work, including painting, photography and mixed media installations, from around the world. Visitors can find work priced from $250 to $25,000. In addition, this year the fair will present “Behave As If God Exists,” a performance art piece exploring the wavering definition of humanity, as it evolves in a future of artificial intelligence. Entry is free; a V.I.P. pass for two people, including the opening reception, is $35. May 8-11, 528–532 West 28th Street, Chelsea, Manhattan; clioartfair.com.
