MIAMI, FL.- Art Miami enters its 17th year with renewed vitality after a rigorous selection process that has refined the overall participation base. Introducing many new galleries from Europe, Asia and the United States, the fair is slated for January 5 – 8, 2007 in Hall A at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Although Art Miami will continue to feature some of the most important modern and contemporary Latin artists, only 14 galleries represent Latin America in 2007, which presents a major shift in the focus of the fair since its inception.

“Many discoveries will be unveiled to Art Miami enthusiasts from a broad spectrum of contemporary painting, sculpture, prints, photography and multi-media works by both well-established and emerging artists,” says Ilana Vardy, Show Director. “We are very excited by the changes in the fair in recent years as we are now better poised to service a growing market in which collectors are interested in a wide variety of genres and nationalities. The expanded programs, including the annual special exhibitions and lecture series that explore international trends, enable Art Miami to compete on a higher level in the increasingly complex art market.”

Approximately half of the 115 participants are joining Art Miami for the first time, including 10 Chancery Lane from Hong Kong, showing photography by Chinese artist Li Wei. Three new Italian participants will be in the fair, including Contini Galleria d’Arte from Venice who is showcasing a top-notch selection of modern and contemporary masters. Of the 7 German participants, 3 newcomers make a strong showing of contemporary painting. There will be four first-time Korean galleries and one from Japan, as well as 2 new galleries from Switzerland. Six of nine participants from Spain are fresh to Art Miami and the United States boasts 18 new galleries. Countries represented for the first time include Turkey and Ireland, rounding out one of the most diverse selection of galleries in the fair’s history.

In addition, Art Miami features important projects that bring particular attention to local artists, Caribbean artists and arts specialists tapped to share their knowledge in an exciting series of programs, panel discussions and special events.