Clio Art Fair’s 20th Edition Lights Up Chelsea with Art, Energy, and Community
- Art Dealer Street
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 12
The Clio Art Fair celebrated its milestone 20th edition with a bang in New York City last week, transforming Chelsea’s art scene into a vibrant showcase of independent artistry. From September 4–7, 2025, Clio Art Fair – known as the “anti-fair” for self-represented artists – brought together over 35 emerging and established creatives from around the world under one roof. The result was an electrifying long weekend of art, performance, and connection that left visitors and participants buzzing with inspiration. If you missed this first September installment, don’t fret – a 21st edition is just around the corner (September 18–21) with a whole new roster of talent. But first, let’s relive the highlights of the 20th edition that just wrapped up on Sunday.
A Sold-Out Opening Night in Chelsea
The fair kicked off on Thursday, Sept 4th with a Press & VIP Preview that was completely sold out, packing the venue at 511 West 25th Street with collectors, curators, and excited art lovers. The atmosphere during the opening night was nothing short of electric – “a whole mood,” as one ecstatic artist described on social media – with live performance art, mingling crowds, and vibrant works energizing the space. Special international guest artists like Ami Park (South Korea) and Amparo Garzón (Colombia) were in attendance, adding to the global flavor of the evening. Attendees sipped wine as they wandered through the gallery-like setup (Clio forgoes traditional expo booths in favor of an open flow), often pausing to chat directly with the artists beside their work. “Thank you to everyone who joined us for the electrifying opening night!” the organizers shared, reflecting on the enthusiastic turnout. With 150+ artworks on display – ranging from pocket-sized pieces at $50 to large-scale creations commanding five-figure prices - there was truly something to catch every eye.
Independent Artists at the Forefront
Clio Art Fair has always been about championing independent, self-represented artists, and the 20th edition stayed true to that mission. By design, no artist at Clio is hidden behind a big gallery’s name – each one is front and center, connecting directly with visitors in an intimate and approachable environment. Walking through the fair, you could sense this different vibe: no sterile white cubicles or high-pressure sales, just artists proudly presenting their creations in a welcoming, democratic space. Many visitors commented on how refreshing the experience was – more like a community art salon than a commercial trade show. The fair’s organizers pride themselves on respecting the venue’s architecture and maintaining an organic exhibition style, rather than the maze of booths typical of larger art fairs. “Clio really shines a light on artists without gallery backing,” noted one NYC art observer, calling it “unrepresented but unmissable.” Indeed, with artists hailing from diverse backgrounds (from local New Yorkers to creators from as far as Europe, Asia, and Latin America), inclusivity and discovery were the keywords of the weekend.
Art Highlights and “Another Brick in the Wall” Performances
Over the four days, visitors explored a kaleidoscope of contemporary art across painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installations. A number of immersive installations and thought-provoking pieces had people snapping photos and discussing interpretations. Clio’s special performance program, titled “Another Brick in the Wall,” added an extra layer of depth to this edition. The performances – which took place during the fair – invited both artists and audiences to consider the “walls” of modern life in an increasingly digital world. In a nod to Oscar Wilde, the program’s theme suggested that art should disrupt the monotony and “algorithm-driven realities” of contemporary life, challenging us to ask what it means to connect or dissent in the age of endless scrolling. On opening night, performance artist Gabrielle Meyerowitz rolled through the crowd with her “Mobile Confessional” piece, engaging viewers in spontaneous moments of reflection. Other performances, like an interactive routine by experimental artist ama of MetallicFern, turned the fair into a stage questioning whether artists today are “building bridges or fortifying walls” in society. These live acts weren’t just add-ons; they were, as Clio’s team put it, the pulse of the fair – blurring the line between observer and participant and sparking dialogue in real time.
Artists’ Experiences: Community, Camaraderie, and Creativity
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Clio’s 20th edition was the camaraderie that blossomed among exhibitors. Many shared their highlights online, painting a picture of a weekend that was as rewarding for artists as it was for visitors.
Overcoming challenges — Yi-Chiao Chen
Yi-Chiao Chen described how her artworks were delayed in customs and reached New York right before opening. To avoid an empty wall, she prepared 1:1 prints as a backup and still welcomed viewers into meaningful, quiet conversations with the work—a story of resilience and smart problem-solving supported by the Clio team.
Connections and friendships — Megan Emily Ely, Christina Legere, Margaret Koval, Sherwin Cadore
Artists repeatedly emphasized the people they met and the collaborations sparked in the aisles. Megan thanked Clio for “an unforgettable experience” during Armory Week and shouted out new artist friends. Christina called the fair “a whole mood,” celebrating creative community and inviting future commissions. Margaret highlighted a smooth installation for Margaret Koval and praised Clio’s artist-forward support. Sherwin Cadore loved seeing visitors discover the shared themes across a cohesive wall of work.
Welcoming “anti-fair” vibe — Haneen Alkenany and many others
Artists noted how approachable the fair felt—no hard barriers, lots of real conversations. Haneen Alkenany reflected on how each piece “holds its own whisper,” yet together the collection told a larger story. Exhibitors widely thanked the Clio team for being helpful, inclusive, and attentive to the viewing experience—proof of the fair’s small-scale, artist-first ethos.
An Inclusive Art Celebration – and Coming Soon: The 21st Edition
By the time Sunday evening rolled around, Clio Art Fair’s 20th edition had fulfilled its promise as “a must-see event for anyone interested in art”. Thousands of visitors (from seasoned collectors to curious passersby) strolled through over the free-admission weekend, engaging with art in ways big and small – from lively debates in front of installations, to quiet moments of contemplation with a painting that spoke to them. The fair’s unique “anti-fair” ethos – no flashy mega-galleries, no velvet ropes, just art and the people who make it – proved to be a breath of fresh air in the bustle of New York Art Week. Even the transaction side was forward-thinking: Clio has accepted cryptocurrency for art sales since 2017, underscoring its innovative streak
As the lights dimmed on the 20th edition, one chapter closed – but another is about to begin. If you missed out on the fun, don’t worry: Clio Art Fair returns for its 21st edition from September 18–21, 2025 (Chelsea, same location). This upcoming weekend will feature an entirely new set of 35+ independent artists and fresh performances, promising a whole new experience across four days. The VIP Preview on Thursday, Sept 18 (6–9pm) will kick things off (tickets available, with free entry for press and art professionals), followed by free general admission Friday through Sunday. Given how energizing the 20th edition was, the Clio team is gearing up to make the 21st even more memorable. “Two weekends, two editions, one unforgettable experience,” as Clio’s mantra goes. Mark your calendars and come be part of the art – whether you’re an avid collector or just art-curious, Clio Art Fair’s doors are open to all. This is contemporary art at its most engaging and unfiltered: see you at the next Clio!
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