Manhattan’s Affordable Art Fair Opens in Chelsea

Chelsea’s Metropolitan Pavilion buzzed last night with Manhattan’s Affordable Art Fair, splashing NYC with spring hues. Curator Tariq Evans unveiled 75 galleries, 400 artists hawking works from $100 to $12K. It’s borough brush—$30 entry, kids free, pure art soul. A teen nabbed a photo; a pro eyed a canvas. ‘Manhattan paints—this is it,’ Evans says, framing deals. The fair runs through March 23.

The show’s annual—back for ’25, it’s doubled since last year, packing halls by 6 p.m. Evans sourced emerging talent; last night’s crowd hit 1,000—wallets opened. A workshop sparked—kids smeared paint; demos rolled—NYC flair. Rain flecked—coats piled; art glowed. #AffordableArtNYC trended; Brooklyn’s jealous.

Some griped—’Too packed,’ sniped a purist, dodging elbows. Prices stung some—$100’s still cash; most browsed free. A light buzzed out—fixed quick; vibe held. Queens wants a slice, but Chelsea’s got the brush locked. The pavilion’s never shone so bold.

Evans hints at a spring encore, maybe outdoors if weather bites. ‘NYC’s art—this shares it,’ he says, stacking flyers. The fair’s a Manhattan win—grit meets hue. It’s a budget masterpiece; snag a piece. Bring a bag—walls call.