Governors Island Art Fair is one of the most public-friendly art events in NYC. Visiting it is like touring a magical, hidden city inside the city. Governors Island is a former military base, with a real fort and the rows of haunted houses and alleys at its perimeter. Beautiful views of the Lower Manhattan, along with the quirky art installations, add to the whole impression of being at a place where the famous Alice could also have happened to pop up.

Governors Island during the Art Fair

Many artists are present. GIAF offers prospective buyers the opportunity to build a personal collecting relationship with the exhibiting artists. Browsing from studio to studio, from show to show, every visitor has a chance to talk to the artist whose work is on view right here.

Daniel Allegrucci explaining his artwork

One of the gems of the island is Fort Jay. It became a new addition to GIAF: a series of stone caverns beneath the historic fort – a magazine – has been transformed with the work of six multi-media artists. Spooky and exciting.

Multi-media artwork, “Calculated Deception”, exhibited by Zintaglio Arts

The array of outdoor installations and sculptures can be found on the island. Located on the main lawn and in between of the former outposts of military officers, they are main attractions for visitors of all ages, and add some surrealistic feel to the once military spot.

Governors Island Art Fair is open all weekends in September. To get there, use the East River Ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Governors Island Art Fair 2015

Paper mache sculpture by Bernice Sokol Kramer, GIAF15

Installation by Tine Kindermann: Erotic Artwork hidden in a kitchen cabinet. GIAF15

“Paint a School Bus” – interactive installation and workshop by Alassane Drabo