OPENING: SOFA New York celebrates its 15th anniversary with new layout

John Kiley, Rising Pair" 2012. Glass. H 14, W 16, d 5 in. photo: jeff curtis. courtesy: sofa expo

The Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair (SOFA) returns to New York this April to celebrate its 15^th anniversary at the Park Avenue Armory with a new design to its floor plan. Since its inception as an offshoot of the main SOFA in Chicago, SOFA New York has been a novel venue that showcases applied arts and design from both established and rising artists. To help commemorate SOFA New York’s landmark birthday, architect David Ling has invented a new show layout.

“We’re thrilled that what David has conceived is a brilliant design that encompasses both the use of material and design, two major themes and components of our fair,” remarks Donna Davies, director of SOFA fairs. “His design plan celebrates the history of the historic Armory and this important milestone for our fair, while presenting the visitors to SOFA New York with an exciting design as a work of art unto itself. This year, David’s design will allow the visitors to SOFA New York to understand what SOFA and these artists/materials have been for the past 15 years and what they will be for the next 15 years and beyond.”

This ability to explore both old and new, to look both forward and back, is what has made SOFA such a unique exposition. Present this year will be many returning dealers, among them Ferrin Gallery, TAI Gallery, Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, Duane Reed Gallery, Heller Gallery, Jane Sauer Gallery, Lacoste Gallery, Scott Jacobson Gallery, Wexler Gallery, and William Zimmer Gallery. Among the newcomers will be Cultural Connections CC; Erskine, Hall, & Coe; Flow Gallery; and Megumi Ogita Gallery.

David Ling’s prototype architectural rendering of the new SOFA floor plan. courtesy: sofa.

Davies comments that this year’s dealers underwent a “highly competitive” admittance process. The number of exhibiting galleries will be lower than in previous years, but the quality of the displayed works will be “among the best in recent years.”

Of particular interest on the itinerary of special events is the SOFA Lecture Series. These lectures are free with paid admission and last year’s series brought more than 470 attendees. Details about the lectures have yet to be revealed, but glass artist Dan Dailey is confirmed to be partaking. Other noteworthy events include the Savvy Soiree for participants 35 and under, the LongHouse Reserve Special Recognition Awards, and the invitation-only Designer Breakfast Preview.

Three SOFA events are held every year in separate cities: New York City, Chicago, and Santa Fe, with NYC always kicking off the annual expositions. Chicago always houses both the most visitors and dealers (last year, around 30-35,000 visitors attended) and is for this reason often referred to as the “flagship” SOFA. Santa Fe, by contrast, is the smallest (10-11,000 visitors), and NYC sits comfortably in the middle (15-20,000 visitors). Davies anticipates that attendance to this year’s SOFANew Yorkwill be “on par” with last year’s, possibly even higher due to the anniversary.

Marvin Liposky, Pilchuck Summer Series #24, 1988. Blown glass, H 11 1/2, W 15, D 15 in. courtesy: sofa.

A lot can and does happen in fifteen years. However, while many of the particular artists and pieces on display have altered, SOFA’s founding purpose has not changed.

“We continue to carry out the original mission of the fair,” states Davies. SOFA persists in being “the only venue of its kind to showcase the very best of the applied arts and design.” SOFA New York will be on display at the Park Avenue Armory from April 20^th-23^rd. There will be a VIP preview and a public preview on April 19^th from 5-7PM and 7-9PM, respectively.

—Anna Tatelman