As the Global Fair Director for The Other Art Fair—a leading international showcase that highlights the best emerging talent from around the world—Nicole Garton oversees 12 events annually across Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, London, Australia and her hometown of LA. “Being part of The Other Art Fair is a dream come true,” says Garton, who resides in Brentwood. “I get to work alongside colleagues I admire to help artists bring joy with their work.” Garton’s ascent to this role was natural—she previously led marketing at Saatchi Art, where she was instrumental in the start-up’s transformation into the world’s leading online gallery. Following Saatchi Art’s acquisition of The Other Art Fair, she played a key role in its US launch. Now, as Garton plans for The Other Art Fair’s next iteration at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica this month, she reveals an inside look.
The Other Art Fair Los Angeles
September 25th-28th
The Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
theotherartfair.com
What can visitors expect when they visit The Other Art Fair?
There are a few mainstays that underscore what makes us “other.” Artists represent themselves at their own booths; all artworks are labeled with clearly visible prices; there will be upwards of 100 booths with thousands of original and limited edition artworks available; prices range from $100 to $5000; all exhibiting artists have been hand-selected by a committee of experts; and artists take home 82% of every sale, so visitors can feel good about supporting creators with their purchase. There are also live performances, DJ sets, hands-on experiences and other surprises.
What sets The Other Art Fair apart from other places to buy art?
Fantastically talented artists with important things to say can crop up anywhere, which is the beauty of buying online from places like Saatchi Art (saatchiart.com), where people can discover otherwise inaccessible artists. What sets The Other Art Fair apart is our mission to not only gather the most exciting art from around the world all under one roof, but also to create opportunities for everyday art lovers to meet artists in person in a fun and welcoming environment. Visitors keep coming back because they have finally found a place to belong, where they can find art in their budget and a community of other art lovers.
Are there any local LA artists that we should look for this year?
This will be an especially poignant edition for us, as many artists who had been accepted to show last February had to postpone their participation due to the LA fires and will be presenting this month. I’m also particularly excited about a few other local artists: Kiara Aileen Machado, known for her figurative paintings and rich palette of buttery brushstrokes; Marissa Charlwood, whose paintings of mermaids recall the startling color pairings of Paul Gauguin; Vi Nguyen, who elevates iconic branded snacks from her childhood with nostalgic glass bead embroidery; Ivaylo Angelov, whose abstract mixed media work draws on jazz, poetry and his Balkan roots; and Kipkemoi, who has been awarded our New Futures Prize for his arresting portraits depicting joy and belonging amidst the African Diaspora.
What makes the Barker Hangar such a great location?
There is really no place in LA quite like Santa Monica’s historic Barker Hanger. Its wide open space, barrel ceiling and storied past offers our visitors and artists alike a special environment to connect. The venue is also host to many other art events, including the Frieze Art Fair, so art lovers across the country have come to recognize the space as an ideal viewing experience.