Spring Art Fairs Kick Off for Buyers and Browsers Alike

With Frieze comes a buffet of art in New York City, whether you’re looking for blue-chip galleries or emerging artists.

Frieze New York is upon us, which means an explosion of art fairs over two weeks, most but not all of them in Manhattan. These fairs are where dozens of leading galleries and dealers from around the world exhibit their best, and sometimes, the best of art history. Here are our picks for a crawl around the city, based on what your art heart desires (or wallet and weekend time allow). And be sure to ask dealers for prices; often they are not conveniently posted.

The pricey, sprawling fair is back at the Shed in Hudson Yards, this year with more than 60 galleries and a new curator for “Focus,” its showcase of nascent galleries and under-the-radar artists. An online viewing room opens the week before the fair, offering a first look and digital entry for remote visitors, and a performance-themed program will run throughout the show. Early bird tickets are already sold out. Preview tickets for Thursday and Friday start at $129; general admission weekend tickets are $76 ($37 for students). May 1-5 at the Shed, 545 West 30th Street, Manhattan; 212-463-7488; frieze.com.

For more traditional fare, the fair centered on American art from the 18th century through the 21st century is back for its 17th year with 17 exhibitors. Explore hundreds of works, including landscapes, portraits, still lifes and sculptures, across three floors of the grand Bohemian National Hall. Admission is free. May 11-14 at the Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, Manhattan; theamericanartfair.com.

The fair dedicated to bringing contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora into the mainstream returns for its 10th year with its largest edition to date. This time around, 1-54 is relocating to Chelsea for a presentation of more than 30 galleries from Lagos and Lausanne to Miami and London. General admission is $38 ($25 for students and seniors). May 1-4, at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, 255 11th Avenue, Manhattan; 1-54.com.

The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), from the Netherlands, returns with a worldly collection of art, antiques and design work to fill the cavernous halls of the Park Avenue Armory, along with a robust slate of programming. Last year our critic recommended a “scavenger hunt” approach. Single-entry tickets are $55 ($25 for students); multiple-day entry tickets are $75. May 10-14 at the Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, Manhattan; tefaf.com.

Its essence is in the name. Seasoned buyers and novices alike can build their collections from an accessible assemblage at the Affordable Art Fair, which returns with a showcase of contemporary artworks priced from $100 to $12,000. Admission starts at $41. On Thursday, visitors can get free admission with a donation of an art supply. March 20-24 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, Manhattan; affordableartfair.com.