by Mary Holiman
This article was first published in DC Trending substack December 14, 2025, here.
For many, when we think of art fairs and galleries, the likes of Miami’s Art Basel or the Armory Show in New York come to mind.
You see, although art has long been a critical part of various cultures- from cave drawings to paintings and sculptures, there’s a common criticism that art, the making, creating, and even the buying, is for the elite, the upper echelon of society. And in the era of AI, it’s more imperative now than ever that we remember art’s organic origins, and color outside the lines, all over again.
In comes The Superfair, formerly known as the Superfine Art Fair, a leading platform for independent, contemporary artists and creatives since 2018, with its start right here at DC’s own Union Market. The Superfair held this year at Gallery Place (November 7th – 9th) isn’t just any art festival, but a movement, one that redefines how art is experienced by empowering independent artists, elevating the collector’s experience, and encouraging authentic relationships between the artist and the ones who support them. If you’re interested, the next Superfair will be taking a trip to the Lone Star state in Austin, Texas from February 20-22nd, 2026, with other stops in the San Francisco Bay and the city that never sleeps – New York City!
Admittedly, when I was first approached with the opportunity to review the event, I was unsure of what to expect. I’d never attended something of this size and caliber before, and truthfully, I never really gave much thought to the idea of collecting art, intimidated by the prestige and the cost.
But, as soon as I stepped in, I was transported to another world – one full of bold colors, traditional African fabric, and pop art, just to name a few. Each piece of artwork tells a story, some a reflection of the past, others in honor and remembrance, and one that combined a teacher’s love for science and art.
Perhaps, it’s this ability to take everyday objects and commonplace things and turn them into elaborate works of art, the embodiment of a picture book from start to finish, that made The Superfair this past weekend so unique, warm, inviting, and in the words of curator and fair manager Sharone Halevy, “immersive.”
But, more than anything, it also felt like an ode to local flavor and a tribute to identity. Because isn’t that what’s makes the capitol city so great, with a diverse list of artists, some near, and others far, some with a professional background, or family lineage?
Yet, despite these differences and traits that made us stand out from each other, and despite the variety in mediums, styles, and techniques, we all ended up at the same place, bonding over shared experiences, lifestyles, or, in my case, even the same name.And maybe, just maybe, that’s the beauty of The Superfair, aside from the awe-inspiring canvases and creativity displayed, bringing people together. Even if it’s only for a little while, and reminding us that in times of crisis, disjointed pieces can still make a pretty picture.
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