NEW YORK, APRIL 15, 2009. Michael Franks, Chief Operating Officer, dmg world media, along with Mark Lyman, former Vice-President, dmg world media’s Art & Antiques Fairs and SOFA Founding Director have purchased the three internationally renowned International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fairs, SOFA CHICAGO, SOFA NEW YORK and SOFA WEST: Santa Fe from dmg world media. This new, jointly owned firm, The Art Fair Company, also acquired an antiques fair held five times a year in Charlotte, NC, run by long-time show director, Lydia Sullivan. The Art Fair Company’s main offices will be based in Chicago and Charlotte.

“SOFA Fairs have grown well until this current economic downturn, but even so, have been less badly affected than most other art fairs,” says Michael Franks. “Moreover, it’s an important event in the arts calendar for our client galleries specializing in artworks bridging contemporary decorative, fine art and design. We count on each other for success.” Franks is a 30- year veteran of the trade show business and now serves as President of The Art Fair Company.

Mark Lyman, Vice-President of the new company, says, “Michael and I share a deep commitment to the SOFA Fairs and their potential for growth. We are very excited about the inaugural SOFA WEST: Santa Fe, opening this June 11- 14, 2009 in Santa Fe, NM. The fact that the Opening Night “First Choice” Preview will benefit the New Mexico Museum of Art Design Collection is outstanding validation of the new SOFA in the museum world.”

Lyman adds, “We’re so pleased to be able to keep our core team together—one of the best art fair production teams going. We also plan to grow our outside consulting service to other art fairs, including operations management and equipment supply.” SOFA presently services such high-profile art fairs as SCOPE and NADA.

Franks concludes, “Mark and I look forward to working closely with SOFA galleries and dealers, the many attending collector/museum groups, and the arts-interested public to build the brand, as well as become a growing service provider to other art fairs.”

For general information on SOFA Fairs including art sold, show shots and artist interviews from the 12th annual SOFA NEW YORK 2009, ongoing through April 19 at the Park Avenue Armory, visit www.sofaexpo.com, The next SOFA Fair is SOFA WEST: Santa Fe, June 11 – 14 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Opening Night, Wednesday, June 10 benefits the New Mexico Museum of Art’s inaugural Design Collection. High-resolution press images for SOFA NEW YORK 2009 and SOFA WEST: Santa Fe 2009 are available for download in their respective Press Rooms on www.sofaexpo.com. For more information, call 800-563-SOFA (7632) or 773-506-8860; or email info@sofaexpo.com.