La Whole Enchilada: The Armory Show

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to attend The Armory Show here in New York. The Armory Show is the largest art fair in New York. It is a leading international contemporary and modern art fair that takes place once a year on the West Side of Manhattan. This year it took place March 8th-11th.

Every March leaders in the art world, art dealers, art aficionados and artists cram into Piers 92 & 94 along the Hudson River in Manhattan's west side to celebrate art. The Armory Show is one of the principal annual art events in the international art market. The fair showcases some of the world's most important art galleries. A variety of artists are exhibited from Picasso to Andy Warhol, and from Cindy Sherman to Chuck Close.

The Armory Show was founded in 1994 by dealers Colin de Land, Pat Hearn, Paul Morris and Matthew Marks. It was first named after its initial location at the Gramercy Park Hotel, but then The Armory Show acquired its new title when it was moved to the Armory on Lexington Ave. The location there was only temporary, and in 2001 the current Armory Show moved to the west side piers. Here they would be able to house a larger collection of contemporary art under one roof from all over the globe. The piers are located between 52nd St and 55th St on 12th Ave. The piers are a visual reminder of New York's past history when the Hudson River was central to the city's transportation and commerce. Cargo and passengers were let off at the various piers, which were then connected by the now public park, the Highline. The Highline used to be a rail road that connected the surrounding area by rail. The remaining piers closest to the Armory still serve as a port for ships and cruise liners. The Intrepid and a Second World War aircraft carrier, now turned into a museum, can also be found a few blocks down.

The Armory Show has become an essential part of the cultural aspect of Manhattan. It will continue to host and support the great galleries and artists of our time.

My Recommendation: Go during the week, the weekend gets too crowded to enjoy. Spend more time at pier 92, this pier houses the more prestigious galleries and artists.

General Admission: $30

Students: $15

Seniors: $15

And with that I leave you with some of my favorite pieces of art this year, 'til next year!!!