Rest assured, the art world’s holiday season slowdown will be over soon. In January, the fair circuit is speeding ahead into two closely linked fairs produced by Fine Art Shows: the LA Art Show, running from Jan. 7–11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Art Palm Beach, returning Jan. 28–Feb. 1 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Tied together by a shared vision—and by producer and director Kassandra Voyagis—the kindred events set the tone for a season defined by both scale and experimentation.
Now in its 31st edition, the LA Art Show remains a rarity: a fair of significant scale that is still independently owned and operated. Its longevity speaks less to tradition than adaptability, as it shifts year over year to reflect the changing attitude of the city it calls home.
The 2026 edition brings more than 90 galleries to the city from across the globe, including first-time participants from Ireland and San Francisco, alongside a contingent from the U.K. and South Korea. Dublin’s Oliver Sears Gallery makes its LA debut, while London spaces such as John Martin Gallery and Pontone Gallery underscore the fair’s European influence.
One moment that will surely have the fair floor abuzz? A solo exhibition of actor Sylvester Stallone’s abstract compositions, presented by Palm Beach’s Provident Fine Art. Long before his name was a household one, Stallone was painting—using the medium as a way to develop his characters. Finally, attending for the first time, Art of Contemporary Africa is presenting works from Dr Esther Mahlangu, a globally acclaimed visual artist and much-loved cultural ambassador of the Ndebele nation. At 90 years old, she has made a valuable contribution to contemporary art for over 8 decades and is one of the few internationally recognized African women artists of her generation.
Just a few weeks later, Art Palm Beach offers a distinct counterpoint to its West Coast sibling. Now in its fourth edition, the fair has established itself as a sharp, international destination during the winter rush of Floridian travel, with new exhibitors touching down from London, Basel, Dublin, and San Francisco.
For the first time, the fair will feature a large-scale installation as part of DIVERSEartPB, which examines the influence of international biennials and arts institutions on the creative ecosystem, all organized by seasoned curator Marisa Caichiolo. At its center, guests will find the work AGUAS by Chilean artist Eugenia Vargas-Pereira, an immersive display of water, light, and photography that invites reflection on the climate and our collective responsibility to it. Building Bridges Art Exchange will meanwhile spotlight Latin American creatives, with a new focus on artists whose work navigates cultural exchange and adaptability.
Two fairs, two coasts, one complementary catalyst to to open the art world’s calendar. Together, they signal a promising start to 2026.
The LA Art Show runs Jan. 7–11, 2026, with tickets available here. Art Palm Beach follows Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2026, with tickets available here.
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