MIAMI, FL.- Miami is abuzz about Miami Project, the boutique art fair with contemporary and modern artwork side-by-side. Collectors, curators, and consultants alike are raving about the show’s extraordinary quality and immensely pleasant atmosphere. Its tight focus on a small selection of 60 well-established American galleries brought together in an open-plan tent with soaring, cathedral ceilings gives visitors the chance to see excellent work in a comfortable setting. Over 8,000 people had visited the fair as of early Friday morning, and that number is expected to triple before the fair closes.

The positive energy was reflected in continually strong sales, with exhibitors describing the excellent quality of the visitors and brisk activity. Morgan Lehman Gallery placed a large Andrew Shoultz painting with an important corporate collection, a Nancy Lorenz painting with a Whitney trustee, and a David Rathman work with a trustee of the Walker Art Center. Catherine Clark Gallery placed a three-channel video work by Nina Katchadourian with a prominent LA client, and a Ligarano/Reese work to a Silicon Valley collector. Tibor de Nagy placed a large Nell Blane painting and Paul Kopeiken placed several photographs by Kai Schaefer and Graham Macindoe. Richard Heller Gallery placed large works by Dustin Yellen, Michelle Grabner, and Devon Troy Stauter. ZieherSmith placed two Allison Schulnik paintings. Patricia Sweetow Gallery sold two paintings by Heike Kati Barath and five works by Markus Linnenbrink. “By all measures, this is the best fair I’ve ever had,” said Ms. Sweetow.

The Miami Project Holiday Popup Shop, featuring artist-made merchandise and multiples with sales benefitting nonprofits around the country, also reported strong sales. The shop has raised thousands of dollars for charity each day of the fair so far, by selling items priced affordably beginning at only $10.

“My clients are telling everyone that this is their favorite fair,” said another exhibitor. “I’m hearing it all over.” In addition to the fairs’ excellent artwork, visitors also enjoyed delicious food prepared by local favorite Gastropod. Another local favorite, Panther Coffee, helped revive weary art-viewers. A pleasant outdoor terrace café and bar featured beverages by Perrier, Avión tequila, Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, Gravity Brewlab beer, New Amsterdam vodka, Rotation wines, and Shellback rum.

Miami Project is presented with support from the Wall Street Journal, Luxe magazine, the Midtown Doral, and Porcelanosa.