The Show of Contemporary African, Caribbean & Latin American Art

Art Off the Main has established itself as a ground-breaking event, bringing together international galleries and not for profit spaces representing over 200 artists from 20 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, South and Central America, as well as artists of such ancestry who live in the United States.

Reclining Nude, by Antonius Roberts

 at The Art Off The Main Exhibition

Forty-one international exhibitors provided curators, seasoned collectors and novices the opportunity to see and collect some of the most exciting works of art being produced by both established and emerging artists. Last year's artist list ranged from Latin American luminaries like Wilfredo Lam, Rufino Tamayo, Roberta Matta and Arnaldo Roche, to contemporary giants like Cuba's Manuel Mendive and Haiti's Edouard Duval- Carrie. Loris Crawford, the show's founder said of the 2004 inaugural show, "the overwhelmingly positive response from media and critics and the exuberance of the public, are rare for a first time art fair. This speaks to the quality of the work exhibited. We are extremely proud to present body of art not offered at the typical art fair."

Art Off the Main opened with a reception on Thursday October 6, 6pm-10pm New York's Puck Building, SOHO. Proceeds from ticket sales went to benefit African Action on AIDS, an organization that supports children orphaned by AIDS in 23 African countries, Aspira of New York, Inc., whose mission is to support Latino youth in the pursuit of educational excellence, and The Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Center, a multi-disciplinary cultural arts organization that seeks to document and promote the rich cultural contributions of people from Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America through exhibitions, concerts, lectures, international festivals and conferences.

Caption: Woman, by Antonius Roberts, at The Art Off The Main Exhibition

The educational series of Art Off The Main is sponsored by the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators and Staff at New York University. Forums feature experts in a variety of fields, and seek to enhance the appreciation of the works on view and stimulate increased knowledge and general appreciation of contemporary art from the featured regions.

Art Off The Main promises to be a highlight of New York's fall art season. It continues to be colorful vibrant diverse as exciting and fascinating as the cultures it represents.