ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Navigating Art Fair Season: Expert Tips for Collectors and First-Timers

festival-fair · 2026-09-01

With the fall art fair season on the horizon, The Armory Show in New York set to commence on September 24, CULTURED magazine provides valuable insights for attendees. Paul Henkel from Palo Gallery recommends compiling a list of dealers. Joanna Witek-Lipka of Art Warsaw points out the importance of understanding various price ranges. Gallerist Margot Samel advises prioritizing curiosity over credentials. Collector Benedicta M. Badia suggests starting with emerging galleries and refraining from interrupting gallerists. Henkel cautions against holding champagne glasses. Sonia Jakimczyk of Import Export gallery encourages art discussions prior to negotiations. Advisor Thomas Rom mentions that pricing flexibility is often restricted. Richard P. Townsend warns about potential hidden costs after a purchase. Badia also recommends sharing shipping with existing deliveries for cost-effectiveness. Collector Nadia Samdani urges collectors to pursue their passion.

Key facts

  • The Armory Show in New York opens on September 24.
  • Paul Henkel is founder of New York's Palo Gallery.
  • Joanna Witek-Lipka is cofounder of Art Warsaw and director of Warsaw Gallery Weekend.
  • Margot Samel will show house sculptures by Leroy Johnson and streetscapes by Sasha Brodsky at the Armory Show.
  • Benedicta M. Badia advises visiting emerging galleries first and never interrupting a gallerist with a client.
  • Sonia Jakimczyk is cofounder of Import Export gallery, showing work by Cathy Josefowitz at Artissima at the end of October.
  • Richard P. Townsend warns of hidden costs including shipping, insurance, framing, storage, and commission.
  • Nadia Samdani is a Bangladeshi collector who advises following your passion.

Entities

Artists

  • Leroy Johnson
  • Sasha Brodsky
  • Cathy Josefowitz

Institutions

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Warsaw
  • Poland
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Chicago
  • Bangladesh

Sources