Art Basel as a sign of the times?

This from the Miami Herald pretty well reflects the state of the art business these days. It is what local Miami artists and gallery owners are telling us.

Basel sees a bright side
Art Basel painted a less-gloomy picture of itself than the economy might suggest, saying sales were down but not as much as some predicted.
BY DOUGLAS HANKS
dhanks@MiamiHerald.com
Art Basel Miami Beach gave itself a clean bill of health Monday, reporting modest declines in attendance and respectable sales in the face of a global financial crisis.
''We were happy to see the art market still has a demand for great work,'' said Marc Spiegler, co-director of the Swiss-based show held each December at the Miami Beach Convention Center. ``A lot of people sold far more than they expected.''
He said the show estimates attendance will barely top 40,000 this year, a 6 percent decline from last year's estimate of 43,000. Basel organizers have cited that 40,000 figure since the show opened to the public Thursday, and Spiegler said it's based on ticket sales, complimentary passes, media attendance and other factors.
Basel does not track sales, but many dealers at the country's largest contemporary arts show reported selling less than in previous years. But many also said they thought the Miami Beach show would go worse than it did, given widespread economic problems.
''Everyone was expecting a bloodbath,'' said Adam Sheffer, a partner at New York's Cheim & Read gallery, which saw sales drop about 60 percent at Basel but still covered the gallery's expenses for the show. ``They thought no one would show up, and nothing would sell. Luckily that wasn't the case.''

World View!

A new feature for the website is a small map which shows locations of visitors to the Louise Tester site. Check out the visits from India and the U.K., not to mention the New York area and the U.S. west coast. Not suprising there would be interest in Yuma, Arizona where Louise did most of her work. Also note that we have a new contact procedure. Please take advantage of it for purchase of art and just talking with us!

Four Giclee Prints to Frame Art

Four Giclee prints sent to Frame Art for exhibition and Sale. Prints include "Mexican Chair" which has been a suprising seller. Frame Art is located just west of the Brickell area of Miami where there has been major condo development. The condos are beginning to fill with renters and owners, many from South America.

Louise Tester Art

Go to www.louisetester.com