The 5 Best Upcoming Art Festivals In New York

Spring is the season we all start to put away our winter coats and enjoy the warm weather, but it's also the time when art-aficionados come out in droves looking for the best and newest works to hang on their living room walls. You, too can enjoy some great art – even if you can't afford to take it home with you. Although the biggest art fair of the year, the Armory Show, has already passed, there are still plenty to take advantage of.

The Affordable Art Fair

7 West 34^th St.
New York, NY
www.affordableartfair.us

Price: $12 adults; $10 students/seniors; Free admission Thursday night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dates: April 18 to April 22, 2012
See dates and times 

Over 10,000 visitors stop by this fair every year, resulting in millions of dollars of artwork sold. The fair is known for providing works of art for under $1,500 and even has a category of art under $500. If you truly want an original piece of art in your home without spending thousands of dollars, this may be the place for you. The Affordable Art Fair lives up to its name, and even attempts to draw in families with young kids; art classes and various events will be associated with the week's art displays.

Related: The 5 Best Casual Art Classes in New York City

Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Show (SOFA)

Park Avenue Armory
67^th St.
New York, NY 10021
www.sofaexpo.com

Price: $25/day or $40/4-day admission
Dates: April 20 to April 23, 2012
See dates and times

In town for its 15th year, SOFA brings in exhibitors from all over the world, highlighting the newest artists on the scene. In honor of the show's special anniversary, SOFA will be hosting a number of events this year, including a lecture series, a soiree for young collectors, an awards show and more.  A redesigned exhibition hall is also expected. This popular fair will certainly have you craving even more art after every turn.

Red Dot New York

82 Mercer St.
New York, NY
www.reddotfair.com

Price: $15
Dates: May 3 to May 6, 2012
See dates and times

Located in SoHo, Red Dot New York has a little bit of everything. From paintings and sculptures to photography and drawings, there is something for everyone here. Focusing on modern and contemporary works, the Korean art fair features over 50 international exhibitors.

Pulse Art Fair

The Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18^th St.
New York, NY 10011
www.pulse-art.com

Price: $20 adults; $15 students/seniors
Dates: May 3 to May 6, 2012
See dates and times

The creators of this fair hope to promote "audience-engaging large-scale sculptures, installations and performances." Also based in Miami and Los Angeles, the Pulse Art Fair prides itself on being the only contemporary art-focused fair, nationwide. The fair's unique works of art bring visitors from far and wide, giving galleries and artists a chance to present their finest art.

Frieze New York

Randall's Island
New York, NY
friezenewyork.com

Price: $40/per day or $25 reduced day. Tickets are only available online
Dates: May 4 to May 7, 2012
Hours: May 4 to 5 - Noon to 7 p.m., May 6 to 7 - Noon to 6 p.m.

One of the most unique art fairs this spring, Frieze New York is presented in a temporary space every year on Randall's Island on the East River. Also boasting international exhibitors and over 1000 artists, Frieze engages visitors with a number of special projects throughout the week. Frieze Projects will bring pop-up art to the island itself, commissioning eight artists to interact with the surrounding architecture and outdoor arena. Frieze Talks will feature a number of lectures, allowing visitors to learn about the works and process of art-making.

Related: NYC's 6 Best Fall Street Fairs and Festivals

Art fairs are the best way to see works from the most up-and-coming artists, and even though you might not have the cash to pay for a work on display, a ticket to the event gets you in to see it all.