Kendall Warson

Building Cohart ✨

The inaugural Affordable Art Fair Boston is kicking off, and I couldn't be more excited to share what's coming to Boston! From Australian abstractionists to Japanese printmakers, this is a global celebration of accessible, collectible art that deserves your attention.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or buying your first piece, this fair offers something remarkable: direct access to artists and galleries who are genuinely passionate about making art accessible. Here's your guide to the artists and galleries you won't want to miss.


#### Hudson River Art Collective
What started as one artist's solution to accessing high-end art fairs has exploded into something much bigger. Founded by Nate for Art Expo NY 2024, the Hudson River Art Collective has doubled from 11 to over 22 artists in just two years. This multi-disciplinary cooperative from the NJ/NYC metro area is making its first venture outside the greater New York market, and they're bringing fresh energy to Boston.

Their approach to affordable art is simple but powerful: feature emerging artists whose work you can acquire before it reaches premium prices. For first-time buyers, they don't just sell art - they act as guides, helping new collectors feel confident in selecting that crucial first piece. "The first piece in a collection is arguably the most important," they explain, "and we want all our clients to feel confident in their selection."

While they don't have a physical location yet, you can explore their artists and upcoming exhibitions at 
[Hudson River Art Collective](https://hudsonriverartcollective.com) or follow along on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hudsonriverartcollective/?hl=en).



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#### Kerry Bruce Art
From her light-filled seaside studio in Kiama, Australia, Kerry Bruce has spent over twenty years perfecting her signature style: bold pigment, sensuous brushwork, and an all-pervasive sense of joy. An abstract expressionist with exhibitions across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and London, Kerry is bringing her highly collectible floral artworks to American audiences for the very first time.

"All of the pieces I'm showcasing in Boston have been painted especially for collectors in America," Kerry tells me, and you can feel that intentionality in every brushstroke. Expect vibrant color palettes, serious texture, and pieces ranging from intimate 23x23cm works to bold 80x80cm statements. One of her favorites making the journey is "Amber" in tones of Mocha and Pink - a poppy painting with a presence that works in virtually any room.


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Kerry's advice for first-time fair attendees? "I believe in instant connections - you know when you've fallen in love with a piece of art." She encourages collectors to come prepared with measurements and room photos on their phones so when that connection happens, the conversation flows smoothly.

Beyond the fair, Kerry continues her mission to inspire and empower through boutique art retreats in beautiful Australian surroundings. Stay connected on her [Website](https://www.kerrybruceart.com/) or on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kerrybruce_art/?hl=en).


#### KW Contemporary

Founded just two weeks before the 2020 lockdown, KW Contemporary is a testament to resilience and vision. What began as a dream pursued from a laptop at home has evolved into a gallery championing coastal contemporary art that transcends geographical boundaries. Rooted in the beauty and rhythm of the coast yet not confined by it, the gallery reflects its founder's journey from growing up in Connecticut to years spent in Jackson Hole, where open landscapes continue to inform her curatorial vision.


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For Boston, she's bringing an exciting international mix: Chloe Saron, Betsy Enzensberger, Hunt Slonem, Elisa Sheehan, Maria Laura Ribeiro, and Elaine Coombs. From dazzling diamond dust mixed-media works to serene, light-filled landscapes, this selection spans rising talents to established icons. As a woman gallerist, she's fiercely committed to amplifying women artists' voices in the contemporary art dialogue.

What sets KW Contemporary apart is their innovative approach to making art accessible. They've developed a bespoke art rental program that lets clients live with a piece for a set period, paying a small monthly fee that contributes toward ownership. "For many first-time buyers, the biggest hurdle isn't financial - it's confidence," she explains. "This gives them the chance to experience the work in their home, without pressure." Because affordability isn't just about price - it's about meeting collectors where they are.
Stay connected at [KW Contemporary](https://kwcontemporaryart.com/) or on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kwcontemporaryart/ ).


#### Lara Scolari
With a paintbrush in one hand and three little boys in the other, Lara Scolari made the leap from designing education programs at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo to becoming a full-time artist. Her breakthrough came through an Artist in Residence program in Ashfield, Sydney, followed by a sell-out solo show that launched her international career. Now working from her gallery-studio in Balmain, Sydney, she's bringing her signature fluid abstract style to Boston for the first time.

"Boston, you're in for a treat!" Lara says. Her work is all about movement, memory, and emotion - layered with Australian pigments, textures, and shimmering finishes. These pieces have a calm energy, but they're also full of life. She's particularly excited to share "Aqua Vibe," a large-scale work inspired by the energy of water. "It has movement and stillness all in one - like standing at the edge of the sea. It's full of my signature layering and shimmer, and it's one of those pieces that just draws you in."



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Lara's philosophy on affordable art is straightforward: "It's about making art accessible to everyone - not just collectors or galleries." She creates pieces at a range of price points and offers a "try before you buy" service from her studio, working closely with interior designers to help people find art they truly connect with. Her advice for first-timers? "Go with your gut! If something catches your eye or gives you a feeling - follow that. Don't overthink it."
You can visit her in person at 48 Beattie Street, Balmain in Sydney, or explore her work online at [Lara Scolari](https://larascolari.com). She's always sharing behind-the-scenes moments on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/larascolari/?hl=en).


#### Sarah Richmond
Sarah Richmond's journey to full-time artistry wasn't linear. Growing up in rural Australia, she dreamed of an art career but was encouraged toward something "more practical." Years in business kept creativity on the sidelines - until it couldn't anymore. After intensive study and skill-building, Sarah now dedicates herself entirely to creating vibrant, joy-filled works that blend realism and abstraction.


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For Boston, she's debuting a playful new portrait series that celebrates the energy of travel, cocktails, and the carefree spirit of being somewhere new. "Flamingo Hour" captures that sun-drenched Miami mood - cocktails, color, and a touch of playfulness - while "Cheers, Ladies" reflects her time in New York and the energy of golden hour in a city that never stops sparkling. Both paintings explore the idea of seeing the world through a joyful lens, quite literally, as each is reflected through sunglasses.

Working with inks, acrylics, spray paint, markers, crayons, and finishing oils, Sarah builds up each piece through texture and play. "My artistic vision is all about celebrating color, energy, and the feeling of freedom that creativity brings," she explains. "I want my paintings to capture that same sense of happiness and freedom I feel when creating - a reminder that color has the power to lift our spirits and spark possibility."

As an emerging artist, Sarah sees affordable art as a beautiful way to connect more people with the joy of owning original work. "It opens the door for new collectors to begin their journey - to live with something handmade, colorful, and full of personality."

Keep up with her work on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/sarahrichmond.art/) or her [website](https://www.sarahrichmondart.com/ ).


#### Shazia Imran
Award-winning Australian artist and sculptor Shazia Imran brings serious international credentials to Boston. Her accolades include the Lorenzo il Magnifico Award at Florence Biennale 2015, the Applied Arts Award at London Biennale 2017, and multiple awards in Australia and China. Her expressive mixed media pieces hang in collections from Australia to Macau, including luxury VIP accommodation at MGM's The Mansion, and work acquired by His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Ahmed Bin Juma Al Maktoum.



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Working from her Sydney gallery in the historic Rocks precinct - just steps from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge - Shazia creates delicately multilayered paintings that explore connections between landscape, memory, and the subconscious. Her work draws inspiration from her travels and studies, particularly her exposure to Italian art and culture. "Each piece I create is a reflection of emotions - moments of beauty, nostalgia, and connection to the world around us," she explains.

In recent years, Shazia's practice has evolved to incorporate sculptural elements and installation-inspired pieces that bring her paintings into dialogue with their surroundings. "My creative process has become less about the finished artwork and more about the experience it evokes," she reflects. This evolution also inspired her to establish not just Shazia Imran Gallery for her personal work, but also AAD Gallery (Australian Art & Design), a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging and established artists from Australia and around the world.

At the fair, Shazia is collaborating with Shibori Gallery. Find them at stand D12. Stay connected on [Shazia Imran Gallery](https://shazia.com.au/) or on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shaziaimran.art/), where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her studio practice and exhibition updates.


#### Shibori Gallery
The creative duo behind Shibori Gallery have enjoyed a successful twenty-year career in textiles, co-authoring several books and teaching regularly while maintaining their art practice. They're deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of makers, encouraging creativity, experimentation, and a deep respect for the material traditions that inspire their work.

But it's a journey into the Australian desert years ago that continues to define their artistic vision. "Many years ago, we traveled together into the Australian desert, and that experience has continued to shape our artistic vision ever since," they reflect. "The vastness of the desert, with its endless horizons and luminous skies, profoundly altered the way we perceive space and color. The brilliant clarity of the high desert sky, contrasted with the rich, earthy ochres of the land, often finds its way into our work."



For Boston, they've created a small, carefully curated collection that truly reflects who they are as artists. "It was very important to me that the work truly reflects our sense of color, movement, and connection to the Australian landscape, while also resonating with a new audience," they explain. Being Australian artists, they're deeply influenced by light, space, and flow - elements intrinsic to the Australian landscape and culture.

Their philosophy on affordable art is clear: "I strongly believe that art is for everyone and should be accessible to all." While their work is often costly to produce, they create smaller works at lower price points to allow a broader audience to engage with and collect their art.

Their advice for first-timers? "I've always believed you should go with your gut when it comes to art. Art should move you, it should stop you in your tracks and make you feel something instantly. That instinctive response, that spark, is what makes art so powerful and personal."
With upcoming fairs in Sydney and Hamburg with Galerie Duret, plus Art Miami on the horizon, Shibori Gallery has a busy season ahead. Follow them on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shibori_textiles/?hl=en ) for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. 


#### The Tolman Collection
As a second-generation dealer, The Tolman Collection continues a legacy that began in Tokyo in 1972. Founders Mary and Norman Tolman started collecting contemporary Japanese prints during Norman's time working for the US State Department in Tokyo. Eventually, their passion turned professional - Norman left his diplomatic career and they opened a gallery in Tokyo to share their love of Japanese prints with the world.

The gallery's specialty has always been contemporary Japanese works on paper in limited editions. "What makes the work stand out is its technical excellence," they explain. "Most artists in Japan print their own editions so they have to be technically proficient in addition to having creative imaginations." This combination of mastery and creativity results in prints that are both visually stunning and impeccably crafted.




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Boston feels like a natural fit for The Tolman Collection's first Affordable Art Fair. "The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has one of the world's largest collections of ukiyo-e or traditional Japanese woodblock prints and so many people in the region are familiar with those," they note. "My goal is to show attendees to the fair what's happening in the Japanese print world today."

Featured artists include Kawachi Seiko's "Fly to the Sunrise" in woodblock, and Tamekane Yoshikatsu's "Somewhere I've been before" in woodblock with gold leaf. Seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike will be pleased to discover that there's a wide range of prices in the Japanese print world.

Explore the collection at [The Tolman Collection](https://www.thetolmancollectionofnewyork.com/) or follow along on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thetolmancollectionofnewyork/?hl=en). 


### See you in Boston!
The inaugural Affordable Art Fair Boston brings together these remarkable artists and galleries with a shared mission: making exceptional art accessible to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned collector or buying your first piece, you'll find work that resonates - from intimate works under $1,000 to statement pieces that transform a space.

Ready to discover your next favorite piece? I'll see you at the fair.
_Kendall, Co-founder of Cohart_


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The Affordable Art Fair Boston runs this week. For tickets and information, visit [Affordable Art Fair](https://affordableartfair.com/). Explore the complete [exhibitor guide](https://www.cohart.com/event/115). 


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Cohart is proud to partner with the Affordable Art Fair to bring you this exclusive preview


Ones to Watch at Boston Affordable Art Fair: Meet our Top Artists and Galleries

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