NEW YORK, NY.- Salon Art + Design, the leading collectible design and art fair produced by Sanford L. Smith + Associates, is pleased to announce Nicky Dessources as its new Executive Director. Dessources succeeds Jill Bokor, who for more than a decade positioned Salon Art + Design as one of the world’s preeminent platforms for international design. After nearly ten years’ experience at Sanford L. Smith, Dessources comes from within the organization, bringing her extensive experience to the role and ushering in a new era of innovation and creativity. Bokor will remain with Salon Art + Design as Chairwoman Emeritus, working closely in collaboration with Dessources on future editions of the fair.
Stepping into the role of Executive Director for the 2024 edition of Salon, Dessources will oversee all aspects of the New York event, which takes place at the Park Avenue Armory each November as a highlight of the international fall arts calendar. Working closely with the fair’s galleries, as well as a global community of collectors and institutional audiences, she will be responsible for shaping the fair's direction and strengthening its position as a global platform for discovery and creativity.
“I am deeply honored to begin serving as Executive Director and build upon the incredible foundation laid by Jill,” says Nicky Dessources, Executive Director of Salon Art + Design. “Under Jill's leadership, Salon has thrived, and my goal is to solidify that legacy. We will continue to position the fair as a welcoming platform that caters to both entry level collectors and design aficionados, and a space where art and design are approached in a way that transcends trends. This chapter is a continuation of my exploration in the transformative world of art and events—a journey that remains grounded in my love for connecting through creativity.”
Dessources was born in New York and spent her childhood in Haiti. From a young age, Dessources’ fascination with art has been a guiding thread throughout her life. The unexpected turn into the world of art fairs and event management took place almost 20 years ago. After earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the City College of New York, Dessources first started working at the Steve McCurry Studio and the Richard Avedon Foundation. After establishing her own photography company, Dessources joined Sanford L. Smith + Associates in 2015, where she focused on her passion and has worked ever since.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nicky Dessources as Executive Director," says Jill Bokor. "With her behind-the-scenes experience in nearly every aspect of the fair, from production to fruition, and track record for growth at Sanford L. Smith + Associates, we are confident that she will lead Salon to new heights, fostering even greater collaboration within the design community.”
Prior to her role as Executive Director, Dessources started as an office assistant at Sanford L. Smith + Associates, and gradually rose to the role of Logistics and Fair Director for events such as the ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, the ADAA Art Show and Salon Art + Design. Dessources has learned firsthand all the innerworkings of the fair and its unique landscape, closely observing its evolution over the years, and giving her a unique advantage and understanding of Salon and its many moving parts. As Logistics and Fair Director at Sanford L. Smith + Associates, her focus was to execute the most successful fairs and nurture relationships with more than 350 galleries. With her in-depth experience in fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborative formats, Dessources is uniquely equipped to lead the New York fair and steer its future direction.
The 13th edition of Salon Art + Design will take place this November 7 – 11 at Park Avenue Armory.
SALON ART + DESIGN
Salon Art + Design, produced by Sanford L. Smith + Associates, presents the world’s best design – vintage, modern, and contemporary – enhanced by blue-chip 20th-century art. The Salon’s inclusivity and willingness to consider both fine and decorative art in the context of contemporary life is predicated on the belief that today, more than ever, designers and collectors create environments rather than collect objects. The success of Salon lies in the quality of its exhibiting galleries, the extremely international flavor of the material, and an eclecticism that is highly sought by today’s collectors and tastemakers.
Appealing to seasoned and young collectors alike, Salon offers an extensive yet curated range of pieces, ensuring something for everyone. The Salon is the only international fair of this caliber to combine styles, genres, and periods cutting a universal and timeless swath.
