Art Meets Imagination at Salon Art + Design

Salon Art + Design returns to the Park Avenue Armory, introducing a fresh energy, a refined aesthetic, and a spirit of discovery under the dynamic leadership of Nicky Dessources. As the newly appointed executive director of the fair, Dessources brings nearly a decade of experience from her role at Sanford L. Smith + Associates, where she built strong relationships with exhibitors and honed her expertise in curating and designing immersive, dynamic showcases.

“This journey has been incredibly enriching,” Dessources reflects. “We’re creating a fair that’s vibrant, engaging, and inclusive—a platform for dialogue that reaches across the art and design worlds.”

So, what sets Salon Art + Design apart from other fairs? For starters, it’s a unique space where art and design meet in an atmosphere of dialogue and discovery. Each year, the fair showcases an eclectic mix of collectible design and fine art, but 2024 goes a step further by highlighting emerging galleries and fresh talents that bring bold new ideas.

“Art and design are constantly evolving, and it’s vital to give young voices the opportunity to shine. Fostering that fresh talent keeps creativity alive and dynamic,” said Dessources. One such addition is Bossa, a design gallery celebrated for its high-quality mid-century Brazilian furniture by renowned designers like Joaquim Tenreiro and Lina Bo Bardi, alongside contemporary works that push the boundaries of design.

While Salon Art + Design features stunning objects, it also offers an immersive experience from the moment visitors step through the door. This year, Brad Thornton, founder of Thornton Projects, brings his design expertise to the Armory’s historic entryway. Thornton has crafted a visually striking atmosphere that both honors the Armory’s architectural grandeur and introduces a modern twist. “Brad has been an attendee for years, and he understands Salon’s unique energy,” says Dessources. “We’re excited to collaborate with someone who knows how to set the perfect stage for art and design.”

A standout feature of this year’s fair is the Design & Art Advisory Council, which plays a pivotal role in curating the event with expert guidance. The council is made up of individuals with expertise across both art and design, offering a fresh layer of curatorial insight and ensuring Salon Art + Design stays ahead of industry trends.

“They’re the bridge,” Dessources explains, “connecting galleries and clients, artists and collectors. Their involvement enriches the broader design discourse, sparking new collaborations and perspectives.”

And then, of course, there’s the programming, which has evolved into a dynamic educational platform for both newcomers and seasoned collectors alike. Through newsletters, social media, and onsite events, Salon has cultivated an environment where art and design enthusiasts can engage with current trends, learn from industry experts, and explore themes that connect art to everyday life. “I want to create a space that feels both fresh and familiar,” says Dessources. “It’s about blending the past and present, and inviting attendees into that ongoing dialogue.”

This year’s VIP hours provide interior designers and art advisors with exclusive early access to the fair, allowing them to select pieces for their clients before the public opening. It’s a thoughtful gesture toward the trade community and a testament to Salon Art + Design’s commitment to being a central hub for both collectors and creatives.

With a dynamic mix of emerging talents, immersive installations, and a focus on collaboration, Salon Art + Design 2024 promises an experience that goes beyond the fair itself. “I want people to leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and connection,” Dessources says. “Not just to the art and design world, but to the conversations about how these works impact our lives. We’re creating lasting impressions that will resonate long after the fair itself.”

For anyone looking to be inspired, to connect, and to experience the pulse of art and design today, Salon Art + Design 2024 is the place to be.

Here are 5 exhibits at this year’s Salon Art + Design that capture the breadth and depth of this year’s edition and Dessources’ dynamic vision for the show:

1. Divine Form, Roman Marble Torso of Bacchus, Ariadne

This marble torso powerfully depicts Dionysos (Bacchus in Roman mythology), the god of wine and revelry. Inspired by Praxiteles’ fourth-century BC sculpture Apollo Lyceius, it captures the idealized beauty and relaxed posture of the divine male form, embodying the essence of ease and earthly pleasure.

2. Inlaid Large Jar by Tetsuya Ishiyama

At this year’s Salon Art + Design, the Ippodo Gallery made its debut with Growing Roots: The Next Generation of Japanese Art. The exhibit showcased diverse materials, including gold and silver shibuichi, mother-of-pearl, marble, wood and lacquer, mulberry paper, and clay. Among the featured contemporary artists was Tetsuya Ishiyama, presenting his intricately crafted Inlaid Large Jar.

3. Ephyra Pendant Installation by Jeremy Anderson

Gallery FUMI will present a solo exhibition of new works by New York ceramic artist Jeremy Anderson at the exhibition. Titled The Space Inside, the installation explores a peaceful, imaginative world inspired by the solitude of home. The installation features chandeliers, table lamps, sconces, floor lamps, and tables, Anderson’s work includes wheel-thrown ceramics with beading, lustre, and glazes, alongside new materials like cast bronze, wood, and glass. Highlights include the Ephyra Pendant installation—a cluster of stoneware and glass orbs—and illuminated orbs resembling fantastical vines, creating an atmosphere of a hidden, otherworldly realm.

4. Porcelain objects by Jennifer Hickey, including Peony, Seedling and Sweet Violet

Irish ceramic artist Jennifer Hickey, will make her U.S. debut at Salon Art + Design 2024, presented by Liz O’Brien Gallery. Living in the West of Ireland, Hickey draws inspiration from the cyclical rhythms and fragility of nature. Her sculptures consist of thousands of fine, porcelain pieces that resemble petals, feathers, or scales, sewn onto tulle netting over sculptural forms. Her pieces evoke organic forms—seeds, spheres—with swirling textures that resemble roses or startled birds.