The Portland Press Herald says that two dozen Maine artists exhibited at ArtBasel Miami Beach and “nearly every museum director in the state” attended the fair:

“For me, it’s like taking 20 trips to New York,” said Suzette McAvoy, director of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport. “You can see so much art in such a concentrated period of time. It gives you an overview of what’s out there, what the trends are and how Maine artists fit within that whole scope of work.”

The Press Herald focused on one artist’s experience in Miami Beach:

For Lauren Fensterstock, Miami Beach means mission accomplished.

The 39-year-old Portland artist was among the masses who traveled to Art Basel Miami Beach earlier this month. She went to the trendy art gathering to introduce a new series of sculptures, to see what her colleagues were up to and to hobnob with art-world trendsetters.

Fensterstock made one “significant” sale and contacts with curators and gallery directors that might lead to more exhibition opportunities. Artsy, an online journal that covers contemporary art, named her one of the top artists in the country younger than 40, based on her showing in Miami.

Fensterstock’s success demonstrates how the work of contemporary artists in Maine fits seamlessly into the broader art-world conversation. That conversation, and the ways in which it was carried out in Miami, could begin to have a stronger influence here in Maine in the months to come. […]

What they learned there likely will influence the work that artists make and the exhibitions that Maine museums host. Fensterstock saw thousands of pieces of art as part of her research for future work, and museum directors got ideas about what’s coming next. Some bought art at Miami to hang in their museums, while others laid the groundwork for future purchases.

The Maine/Miami art connection – The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.