SOFA NEW YORK 2007 started out strong with a record 900 persons attending Opening Night, a benefit for the Museum of Arts & Design. The trend continued with attendance at the show up by 45% on Friday and 20% on both Saturday and Sunday compared to last year. Mark Lyman, Founder/Director of SOFA said the 10th anniversary fair enjoyed, “An excellent, qualified crowd – the aisles were always busy and, happily, gallery sales were up.”

Adrian Sassoon noticed a strong up-tick in “New York world” visitors, who were “very broad-minded.”  He was pleased with the outreach SOFA had done to get the New York financial community to the fair. Selling well at Clare Beck at Adrian Sassoon were vessels by Kate Malone, Hiroshi Suzuki and Rachel Woodman.

Michael Heller reported Heller Gallery had a good show, selling Lino Tagliapietra sculptures to 4 new clients who lived in the Park Avenue area but had never attended SOFA before. “Friday’s crowd was so large we almost weren’t prepared for it!”

Top seller at the show was Jun Kaneko at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art. The gallery sold 10 major wall works by the renowned ceramic artist. Sherry Leedy said, "It's been a very good fair, with lots of new clients. We also showed photography by Michael Eastman and the people who were interested in it were very knowledgeable and seemed to come from a fine arts background."

Opening Night Joan B. Mirviss, Ltd. sold all of Akiyama Yo’s conceptual sculptures in his first solo show in the US. Mirviss said SOFA was the perfect launch vehicle. Crowds were “vibrant, the quality of the work grows better and better every year and more international.” View Akiyama video interview.

Robert Aibel of Moderne Gallery said, “We’re very happy. Friday was stellar.” Major sales included 3 major George Nakashima pieces, a Sam Maloof rocker and a David Ebner cabinet.

Barry Friedman, Ltd. reported having a good fair with Yoichi Ohira, Toots Zynsky and Michael Glancy selling well. Interest in his artists drove people to his gallery on 67th St. to view additional works.

Dean Project sold a major “bucket” and several other pieces in his solo Philip Eglin exhibit.  Mark Dean said, “Another great fair!”

Rob Coffland of TAI Gallery said they “had a very good show,” selling not only bamboo sculptures but also photographs for the first time by Naoki Honjo.

Duane Reed of Duane Reed Gallery said, “What was surprising was that clients made decisions that were four or five times the financial commitment they had been considering.” Reed sold all his Bonnie Seeman sculptures and made one of the show top sales: a new Michael Lucero totem in the $40,000 range.

Joanna Bird Pottery sold two major sculptures by Chilean/British sculptor Fernando Casasempere.  Joanna Bird said, “It’s been a really productive show, we’ve met some wonderful new clients.” View Casasempere interview.

First time exhibitor Lesley Kehoe Galleries, Melbourne, Australia, said they “were very pleased with the attendance and the response to our works. The show resulted in the sale of two major Motoko Maio's works in the high five figures.” View Motoko interview.

Jane Sauer of Jane Sauer Thirteen Moons Gallery said, “Sales are excellent. Crowds are much bigger this year and they are more seriously interested and sophisticated buyers.”

Victor Armendariz of Ann Nathan Gallery said they “had a very good show.” Major sales included two wall sculptures by John Tuccillo and furniture by Jim Rose.

Sienna Gallery “did amazingly well with jewelry by Tina Rath.” And sales were brisk at Ornamentum, which featured an installation of “chantelaines” by Iris Eichenberg that hang off clothes, selling 7; as well as a major new necklace by Ted Noten.

Six Lecture Series presentations were well-attended and the Special Exhibit MAGMA: Contemporary Icelandic Design turned heads with its Grinning Ghost Snowboard and Forest Table.

Plans are well under way for the 14th SOFA CHICAGO 2007 at Navy Pier, November 2 - 4, Opening Night Mise-en-scène, Thursday, November 1. Save the date!