Mid-century modern paintings are a major theme in our collection. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, there is a definite melancholic vibe prevalent in mid-century work that speaks to me. I have a clear memory of visiting the home of a partner in the law firm I used to work at. His art collection had beautiful mid-century paintings. It is a faint memory… I can almost see the works in my head, but memory fades. However, that feeling stayed with me: I want art like that in my home.

Fast forward—I have several works that fit this description. To be honest, from a collecting standpoint, mid-century paintings are usually rather affordable. I’m not talking about Willem de Kooning or Mark Rothko (even though they were painting during this era). I am referring to the other artists who were not in the abstract expressionist school. The finely curated antique stores—not the ones with junk and bric-a-brac—can be goldmines for affordably priced mid-century paintings. And when you go on a little trip to a different city, pop into the local dealers to expand your horizons. Darling, I don’t go to the mall—I go to my dealer!

In essence, our mid-century art is a collection within our collection. And to be even more specific, there is one mid-century artist that we collect intentionally. That artist is Larry Cabaniss, born in Akron, Ohio in 1926. There is little information on Cabaniss, other than that he studied in Paris in the 1950s and then moved to Rome in the 1960s, where he lived until his death in 2007. This is an artist I would have loved to meet and hear from—because his style is so specific and evocative. I don’t have a long critique of his work. They just speak to me. The works of his in our collection are simply beautiful. And sometimes, that is all that’s required.

A funny story about the work below: we were in a lovely antique store in upstate New York. It looked like a family-run situation—husband and wife dealers. I saw this Cabaniss hanging in a central location in the store, meaning it had pride of place (as in: they knew this was a great piece and would sell). I kept eyeing it, as it didn’t have a price tag. I finally asked the price, and the dealers went into a whole song and dance about the price being $450. I believe I asked, “Is that the best price?” The husband made a phone call to what I remember to be his daughter, and we waited maybe about 10 minutes for her to call back with a new price of $350.

I very politely said, “Ok, great, I’ll take it.” I continued to walk around looking at other things. When I got to the counter to pay, the dealers started telling me what a great painting this was and that the artist was very collectible. I said, “I know. I collect his work. This will look great in our collection.” When I said that, they looked at each other and smiled. They realized they probably could have sold it to me for significantly more. And they were right—as I would have paid double the original price. It’s all about an eye, dear reader! 

Have you considered?

Spring fairs are in the air! And let’s be real, navigating an art fair can be overwhelming—even for experienced collectors. But it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of strategy, these events can become your favorite places to discover new artists, build relationships, and make meaningful acquisitions all while looking fabulous.

5 Tips for Navigating an Art Fair

1. Research Before You Go
Visit the fair’s website to review the list of participating galleries. Make note of artists you’ve heard about but haven’t seen in person. Having a game plan helps you focus.

2. Introduce Yourself to the Gallerist
Don’t be shy. Let them know what kind of art you collect and which of their artists you admire. Ask to be added to their mailing list. Follow up afterward to show you're a serious and thoughtful collector.

3. Ask About the Price (and the Range)
If no price is listed, ask, “What is the price point?” This signals you're serious and opens up room for a conversation. Many galleries have a 10–15% discount built in—so don’t be afraid to ask.

4. Take Notes & Snap Photos
(Only if permitted.) You’ll thank yourself later when everything starts to blur together. Track artists, prices, and booth numbers in your phone or journal.

5. Follow Up Thoughtfully
If something moved you—but you didn’t make the purchase—send a note to the gallery or artist. Relationships in the art world are built over time. You never know what opportunity might follow.

Upcoming Art Fairs: New York & Chicago

Frieze New York
🗓 May 7–11 | 📍 The Shed, Hudson Yards
65+ top galleries from 20+ countries showcasing leading contemporary art.
frieze.com

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
🗓 May 8–11 | 📍 Halo, 28 Liberty Street
Dedicated to contemporary African art and its global diaspora.
1-54.com

NADA New York
🗓 May 7–11 | 📍 548 W 22nd Street
120 galleries and non-profits featuring emerging voices in contemporary art.
newartdealers.org

TEFAF New York
🗓 May 9–13 | 📍 Park Avenue Armory
Museum-quality offerings from 91 world-class dealers.
tefaf.com

The Other Art Fair Brooklyn
🗓 May 8–11 | 📍 ZeroSpace, Brooklyn
Independent artists + immersive experiences. Always eclectic and engaging.
theotherartfair.com

EXPO Chicago
🗓 April 24–27 | 📍 Navy Pier, Chicago
Leading contemporary galleries plus a rich programming schedule.
expochicago.com

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