Art Basle May Shine

There was a time when demand for contemporary art was so high that art gallery owners were literally scouting art schools to pluck the work of promising artists. Like home prices, the money paid for contemporary and modern art soared to lofty heights. To some, collecting art seemed like a great investment. Now on the eve of the seventh edition of Art Basel Miami Beach with the economy in disarray and many of the Wall Street high rollers and collectors out of jobs, art prices have thudded down to more terrestrial levels. At the same time, Art Basel Miami Beach has grown astronomically with more than 20 satellite fairs and dozens more impromptu art events around town. More than 220 galleries from around the world will be showing the works of more than 2,000 artists. With just four days to squeeze it all in, some wonder if Art Basel has become too large. Tighter wallets, bigger art festival. Seems like we're set up for an imbalance. However, for four days in December, South Florida will become the most important art center on the planet with a flurry of parties, art videos, talks by leading art personalities, open houses, private-collection visits and lots of art communing. Even if sales and prices are disappointing this year and visitors don't spend quite so lavishly on entertainment and lodging, Art Basel remains a stellar event. (For full source and full article click the Headline). Irish Art