“LA Fairs Proceed, Seeking Strong Support from the Art Community”
**Art Fairs in Los Angeles: A Beacon of Recovery Amid Wildfire Devastation**
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, affecting homes, businesses, and lives. As the flames subside, the city faces the immense challenge of rebuilding. However, amidst the tragedy, the LA art community looks ahead to scheduled art fairs to serve as a source of economic and cultural rejuvenation.
The focal point of these discussions is the sixth edition of *Frieze Los Angeles,* a heavyweight in the art fair circuit set to take place on February 20. This announcement reassured participants and stakeholders, signaling a commitment to resilience and community support despite the challenges.
### Art as a Catalyst for Recovery
Frieze LA is not alone in its resolve. The Felix Art Fair, held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, also intends to proceed. Its organizers expressed their dedication to supporting the city’s creative fabric, emphasizing that the fair represents a moment to heal and rebuild. As part of these efforts, the *Felix Wildfire Fund* was established in partnership with *Grief x Hope.* This initiative channels 100% of donations directly to artists and art workers impacted by the fires.
Similarly, the inaugural *Santa Monica Post Office Fair* and LA’s long-established *Art Show*, entering its 30th year, are moving forward with their events. According to Chris Sharp, founder of the Santa Monica Post Office Fair, continuing with these cultural gatherings is “crucial,” particularly for artists and galleries that depend on these opportunities for their livelihoods.
### The Nexus of Community and Resilience
The decision to proceed has not been free of controversy, as some worry about logistical and financial risks. However, voices within the art world emphasize the fairs’ ability to inspire and unite a grieving city.
Hannah Hoffman, a gallery owner participating in Frieze, underscored the positive ripple effects of these events, noting that the economic benefits extend far beyond the artists and galleries directly involved. Vendors, installers, caterers, and other workers rely on these fairs for stability — a vital lifeline during moments of extraordinary uncertainty.
Artist Kelly Akashi, who suffered personal loss in the Eaton Fire, echoed similar sentiments. Akashi emphasized the importance of maintaining the cultural ecosystem, recognizing how art fairs inspire hope and bring communities together: “*I don’t want the economic impact to spread further and affect other artists. I want this community to be healthy so they can extend that care to me.*”
### A Space for Healing and Inspiration
The *Other Art Fair,* featuring independent artists instead of galleries, plans to open in Atwater Village on February 20, providing a platform for direct engagement between creators and audiences. According to Nicole Garton, the fair’s director, the event aims to be a “respite” for a community reeling from loss, creating a welcoming space for shared inspiration and emotional renewal.
This approach mirrors past moments when art served as a source of solace. For example, during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, New York galleries played a significant role in fostering a sense of togetherness amid sorrow. Wendy Olsoff, co-founder of PPOW gallery in New York, recalled how convening people around art after that tragedy was “unbelievably healing.”
### Balancing Risk and Reward
Undeniably, there are risks associated with continuing these fairs amid ongoing recovery efforts. Out-of-town participants have expressed concerns about attendance and sales potentially being affected, yet many remain committed to showing solidarity with the LA art community.
“Art has a role to play in how we process this catastrophe, and to stop gathering around it, whether out of a sense of decorum or fear of business loss, is counterproductive,” LA gallerist Charlie James stated. For many, the decision to proceed underscores a belief in the power of art to galvanize efforts toward healing and recovery.
### Moving Forward
While some voices in the art world still debate the appropriateness of holding these events so soon, the overwhelming sentiment in Los Angeles is clear: these fairs represent a step forward. They are not just cultural events but economic platforms and emotional beacons, reminding participants and attendees alike of the resilience of art and humanity.
These art fairs promise to inject much-needed optimism into a recovering city, offering tangible support to artists and rebuilding faith in collective resilience. As the flames of devastation transition to the glimmers of recovery, Los Angeles’ art community demonstrates that art, in all its forms, has the power to rebuild, inspire, and heal.