Next-Gen Talent Show
Parsons The New School for Design has kicked off its second annual Parsons Festival, a monthlong celebration of art, design, and student innovation. Highlights include the M.F.A. Design and Technology exhibition, running May 5 through 20 and featuring interactive installations that explore the role technology plays in our day-to-day lives; the Sustainable Design exhibit, a collection of videos showcasing the eco-minded projects of students enrolled in Parsons’ B.F.A. Integrated Design program (May 7-20); and the Printmaking Senior Show, an exhibition of students’ etchings, woodcuts, lithography, and screenprints (opening reception May 11, 6:30-9 p.m.; 6 E. 16th St., nr. Fifth Ave., sixth fl.). There are more than 50 events all told; click here for the full lineup.
An Antiquarian’s Playland
Aficionados of the old, rejoice: The Art and Antique Dealers League of America hosts its annual Spring Show NYC at the Park Avenue Armory (Park Ave. nr. E. 67th St.) from May 3 through 6. The gold-standard exhibition connects buyers with more than 60 well-vetted art and antique vendors specializing in English, Continental, and American furniture, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, folk art, maps, wallpaper, silver and metalwork, nautical art and objects, carpets and rugs, tapestries, clocks, jewelry, and more. (Click here for the full list of vendors.) One-day admission is $20, five-day $40, and there is an Opening Night Preview gala on May 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.; public preview tickets are $75 online and proceeds benefit the ASPCA.
Art-World Goliath
London’s Frieze fair takes over Randall’s Island this weekend—and, as New York’s recent “How to Make It in the Art World” cover package noted, rivals the Armory in terms of size, scope, and influence. The exhibition runs from May 4 through 7 and features more than 1,000 contemporary artists from 170-plus international galleries, plus ancillary debates, panel discussions, and keynote lectures. Individual tickets range from $25 to $70 and must be purchased online in advance; for more info, visit friezenewyork.com.
The Furniture Oscars
The New York chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association, now in its 65th year, will host its annual Circle of Excellence Awards on May 8 at the Union League Club (38 E. 37th St., nr. Park Ave.). The ceremony honors the Bard Graduate Center, Charlotte Moss, Cary Kravet of Kravet Inc., and the Hearst Design Group (Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda), as well as IFDA founder Claire Coleman. Design power couple Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler will be emceeing. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by the awards presentation at 7 p.m. Seating is limited, and tickets start at $95 for IFDA members and $150 for guests. For more info, contact the IFDA office at 212-686-6020 or ifdanyny@verizon.net.