Artexpo's 25th year marks a personal milestone

DEAR READERS,

Though the 2003 edition of Artexpo New York marks the 25th anniversary of the show, it is also a smaller personal anniversary for me. This will be my fifth time at the show as a member of the Art Business News team. Though my little milestone pales in comparison to the show's silver anniversary and to the history of many exhibitors, it offers me a chance to reflect on my first show and the warm reception I have received from the industry since.

Several people come to mind when I remember my first Artexpo New York in 1999. Steve Diamant of Arcadia Fine Arts kindly sat me down in his booth and dished on the who's who of the art biz. Since then, he has become a friend who is always there for a story quote or a dinner or a doggie play date for our pets. Same goes for Julie Maner of Museum Editions, who was happy to share her thoughts on the industry, as were John, Rami and Karyn at Smart Publishing, the Deljou family, the Meisners, Boots and Julie at Discovery Galleries and countless others.

Artexpo is also filled with annual happenings and familiar faces that make the show complete. Every year, Felix Abada and John Glade offer smiles and hugs as I endlessly walk past their booth on my travels up and down the aisles. And Artexpo wouldn't be the same without Yuroz painting shirts (and people) in the Stygian booth or Clemens Briels in the aisles talking to the media or Ferjo graciously posing for photos with his collectors at the Queen Art booth. The show is also a wonderful time to watch artists set up easels and paint for the crowds or sign posters and books.

These are just a few of the people and memories that have made the past five years fun and exciting for me. Though the face of the show continues to change each year with new companies, artists and more, the generosity of its exhibitors and attendees has not. I want to thank everyone who has been so kind and helpful to me during my first five years. I look forward to seeing you at the show and hope for many more years of Artexpo reunions.

BEST WISHES,

JULIE KELLER
Editor-in-Chief

jkeller@advanstar.com

COPYRIGHT 2003 Summit Business Media
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