This September Impact Events Group of Lexington, Massachusetts is producing a weekend fair in Brooklyn on September 18th and 19th. The venue is the Brooklyn Expo Center. It is a new show and already looking like it may become a major development for the books, manuscripts, maps and ephemera crowd. After a long period of decline shows seem to be rising.
One hundred and forty-six firms have signed up, that number an indication that the fair will be an important selling venue for many of the principal dealers in the field. Regional fairs tend to be single day affairs attracting 35 to 80 exhibitors while the most important national examples attract 100 to 200 booth buyers and last two days. This fair starts, in size, midway among the largest ABAA fairs with 146 exhibitors and has the potential to attract a very large following because shows have emerged as an important proxy for what used to be thousands of mom and pop shops that have now closed. Its proximity to Manhattan easily accessible by subway, water taxi, or cab, makes it an attractive venue.
The timing is also well thought-out. For that weekend there are two other book-related events within a few miles, the Brooklyn [new] Book Festival and the New York Arts Book Fair in nearby Queens. All 3 events are within 6 miles and all on the “G” line.
Brooklyn Book Festival
NY Art Book Fair
Impact Events, whose president Marvin Getman, is managing the event had this to say,
“Shows are about organization and enthusiasm. We are encouraging exhibitors to give out free passes, also to tweet and post on Facebook and Instagram. I work to get the exhibitors involved and they are. As a consequence I expect both a great turnout and important sales. Book fairs are human enterprises.”
There will also be three features to add an element of entertainment to the event:
Richard Minsky, a fascinating character who founded the center for Book Arts in NY, will host an exhibit based on The Art of the American Book Cover 1875-1930.
21st Editions, the Art of the Book will host a major exhibit showcasing a magnificent collection of limited edition books of the works of 25 known artist/photographers Two New York artists, Michael Murray and Sheila Metzner, will meet and greet at the 21st Editions exhibit from 2 pm to 4 pm on Saturday.
In addition to the exciting range of booths and dealers, the Lewis Carroll Society of North America will host two readings from Alice in Wonderland to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the celebrated classic at the organization’s booth each day at 1 pm and 3 pm.
www.alice150.com/event/alice150-at-the-brooklyn-books-art-photos-and-design-expo
The Hours:
Saturday September 19th 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday September 20th 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Driving and travel directions [look for the Directions link]
Location: Brooklyn Expo Center
79 Franklin Street
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York
