Harlem Fine Arts Show draws 1,300-plus to Hamptons festival

The inaugural Harlem Fine Arts Show Summer Festival drew more than 1,300 attendees to Water Mill, New York, over July 17-19, pairing art, food and community programming with a tribute to founder Dion E. Clarke. HFAS also announced its next flagship event, HFAS19: Art for Innovation, for February 2027 in New York City.

Why it matters: - The HFAS Summer Festival expanded the Harlem Fine Arts Show’s reach beyond its core art fair format and connected artists, collectors and community partners in the Hamptons. - The event also served as a tribute to founder Dion E. Clarke, whose death on July 13 leaves HFAS with a leadership and legacy transition. - HFAS used the weekend to build momentum for its next major event, HFAS19: Art for Innovation, set for February 19-21, 2027, in New York City.

What happened: - The inaugural Harlem Fine Arts Show Summer Festival ran July 17-19 at Duck Walk Vineyards Hamptons in Water Mill, New York. - HFAS said the three-day event drew more than 1,300 attendees. - The festival featured 50 artists, 15 chefs, live music, art talks, brand activations and experiential programming. - HFAS announced HFAS19: Art for Innovation will take place at the Glasshouse in New York City. - The event was presented with the Creole Food Festival and the Alzheimer’s Association. - HFAS directed attendees to more information and updates and the Artletter newsletter.

The details: - The HFAS Virtual Arts District remains available for people who could not attend the festival. - Keonna Thomas, a photographer and visual artist, serves as the HFAS Virtual Arts District ambassador. - Thomas founded KTV Creations, and her work focuses on identity, memory and transformation. - The festival honored Dion E. Clarke, HFAS founder and CEO, and highlighted his role in advancing HFAS as the largest traveling African Diasporic art show in the United States. - The HFAS Summer Festival magazine profiled Clarke’s legacy and included a quote describing HFAS as more than an art viewing platform and as “cultural nutrition.” - The City of New York issued a certificate of recognition for HFAS and its cultural contributions. - The certificate described HFAS as established in 2009 and dedicated to showcasing contemporary visual artists from across the African diaspora. - The certificate also praised HFAS for supporting emerging and established artists and for advancing the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. - Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s message said he looked forward to the ways HFAS will continue to inspire diverse New Yorkers. - HFAS managing partner and general manager Richard E. Pelzer II said the festival affirmed Clarke’s belief in art’s power, and said the weekend welcomed new collectors, strengthened community partnerships and honored Clarke’s legacy. - Saturday evening programming with the Alzheimer’s Association focused on awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its disproportionate impact on Black communities. - The evening included a B. Smith Legacy Celebration hosted by Dan Gasby in honor of restaurateur, author and advocate B. Smith, who died of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. - Artist Robert Graham Carter was recognized for his contributions to American art and culture. - Live music came from The Rakiem Walker Project and GLR¥A. - The Creole Food Festival experience highlighted Caribbean, Haitian, Senegalese, Dominican, Antiguan, Cuban, Barbadian, French and Southern culinary traditions. - The Stoop Soundstage curated art-talk series was produced by WesleyLately, Stacy Graham-Hunt and LaBrew Solomon II. - The festival also included a luxury automobile display by the Englewood Classic Car Club. - Snack stations featured Avenue Coffee, Just Ice Tea, Pat’s Delites bakery and VitaMoss beverage. - Local and regional beneficiaries included Azurest Property Owners Association, The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, Christ Episcopal Church Sag Harbor, Eastern Shore (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Harlem Arts Alliance, Local TV, Inc., NAAIA NY Tri-State Chapter and the Sag Harbor Hills Improvement Association. - Sponsors included Dan’s Papers, Mercedes-Benz of Southampton, NiLu Gift Shop, Strategic Communications Partner, WBGO 88.3 FM and WBLS 105.7 FM.

Between the lines: - HFAS is positioning the Summer Festival as both a cultural celebration and a bridge to its 2027 flagship event. - The heavy focus on food, music, art talks and local partners suggests HFAS is broadening the event beyond a traditional exhibition format. - The Clarke tribute and Alzheimer’s programming show HFAS linking cultural programming with community health and legacy-building.

What's next: - HFAS will turn toward HFAS19: Art for Innovation in February 2027 at the Glasshouse in New York City. - The organization is also steering audiences toward the HFAS Virtual Arts District and ongoing newsletter updates. - The post-festival focus is likely to center on maintaining engagement with collectors, artists and community partners ahead of the 2027 show.

The bottom line: - HFAS used its first Summer Festival to celebrate its founder, widen its audience and tee up the next chapter of the brand ahead of 2027.