The AP talks to a few dealers about their expectations for ABMB:

recent auctions and art fairs have indicated that collectors are again acquiring high art and that they are not afraid to reach into their pockets and spend money this year during the fair, which opens Thursday.

“It was quite clear that the American collectors were back and participating,” Bonnie Clearwater, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, said. “So, there seems to be a lot of optimism.”

Dealers agree.

“I think they are buying again,” said Steven Henry, director of the Paula Cooper Gallery in New York. “I wouldn’t say the market has rebounded in full. … I think what you are seeing is slightly more confidence in the economy.”

Henry will be bringing about 30 works from about 16 artists, including Sherrie Levine’s bronze Coat.

Jane Cohan of the James Cohan Gallery in New York says her expectations are very high since gallery sales are back up to pre-recession levels.

“It’s been really growing over the course of the fall. The last three or four weeks have been really good,” she said. “I think the auction market really gave a lot of buoyancy to the market and has built consumer confidence. I think people are back at feeling OK at spending on art.”

ArtBasel Miami Beach Galleries Expect Collectors (Associated Press)