Returning to George R. Brown Convention Center

The third annual Houston Fine Art Fair (HFAF ) will move to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the site of its inception in 2011. Moving back to GRB, a more central downtown location, is expected to stimulate more fairgoer participation from scores of nearby large corporations.

What to Expect in 2013

HFAF aspires to reflect Houston’s sophisticated and diverse collecting practices, where art enthusiasts will encounter an international cross-section of works in all media-from past to present. The fair will feature modern and contemporary masters, mid-career and emerging artists from around the globe. HFAF also features memorable on-site installations and special projects, plus an invigorating three day program (September 20-22) of panel discussions designed for both novice and experienced collectors.

The South’s Leading Art Fair (Excluding Miami)

In just two years, HFAF has established itself as the premiere art fair in the South (outside of Miami). In 2012, the fair attracted by far, the largest turnout of fairgoers than any other fair in the southern region (12,000 attendees). HFAF also presented the largest number of respected galleries (80), and the most international dealers (from 10 countries) and generated millions of dollars in art sales) HFAF press coverage is unmatched, as opening night was covered by the local affiliates of all 4 TV networks.

Wowing the City

HFAF has grown into became a citywide event. In 2013, over 40 of the leading museums and art institutions in the greater Houston and Texas region are teaming up with the fair. In short, HFAF has the full support of the Houston art community.

A Magnet for the City’s Arts Patrons

Opening night, Thursday, September 19, 2013 we will present the “Houston Is inspired” Sneak Preview, for the boards, trustees, and upper tier donors of all the arts organizations in Houston – hosted by the Houston Art Alliance (HAA). Not only is it a celebration for the spectacular opening of HFAF, but the city simultaneously will toast the kickoff of its arts recognition month, “Houston is Inspired”. As the city’s grant-giving art, HAA distributes $4 million annually to 220 non-profit arts organization in town, all of whom will be invited. It is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of art patrons ever in Houston.

Attracting the A-list

Following the 5-6pm Sneak Preview, we present the Opening Preview, from 6-9pm, which benefits the Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) program of the HAA. The BVA, founded in 1975, recruits senior level businesses executives to join non-profit organizations as consultants, advisors and board members. We expect another 3,000 of the city’s most passionate art collectors, corporate heavyweights, and art connoisseurs to join the action.

As the popular online site, Culturemap Houston said about last year’s opening- “With such a commanding turnout of the city’s top rung movers and shakers, the night was as much about social interacting as it was about artful shopping”.

The Chron said, “An enthusiastic crowd of about 3,000 filled the aisles, and plenty opened their wallets. More than a half-dozen of the 80 dealers exhibiting said they made sales in the first hour.”

Major TV coverage- opening night was covered on the ABC, CBS, NBC local affiliate stations and FOX broadcasted live from the fair.

Discover why Houston is the third largest art buying market in America

With 150 museums, world-class cultural institutions, a booming economy powered by the energy sector, a thriving gallery scene , Houston is alive with vitality and creative energy and has the financial prowess to support it. The city boasts a sizable and influential base of serious art collectors and patrons, making it an ideal and untapped art fair destination. Houston currently is the fourth largest city population in America, challenging Chicago for the third spot. The Bayou City has a diverse, young, and growing population. According to Forbes, Houston has, for the past two years, the fastest growing numbers of millionaires in the USA. These newly affluent professionals are involved in the visual arts and are highly art inquisitive. HFAF will build on the city’s solid bedrock of art sophistication and curiosity.