NEW YORK, N.Y.- The 24th edition of The Art Show, the nation's foremost and longest running fine art fair, takes place March 7 through March 11, 2012 in New York City. Organized by the Art Dealers Association of America to benefit Henry Street Settlement, the fair presents the nation’s leading art dealers and galleries showcasing a variety of museum quality exhibits ranging from cutting-edge, 21st century works, to masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Expanding its roster for the first time in 24 years, the 2012 Art Show will include 72 of the best galleries from across the country. ADAA also welcomes five first time exhibiting galleries: Alexander and Bonin, New York City; Crown Point Press, San Francisco, CA; Greene Naftali Gallery, New York City; Anton Kern Gallery, New York City; and Van de Weghe Fine Art, New York City.

“ADAA dealers represent the very best authorities on fine art in the country, and The Art Show is an opportunity for collectors to meet with these experts and take in fantastic exhibitions in a range of genres,” noted ADAA President Lucy Mitchell-Innes. Linda Blumberg, ADAA’s Executive Director remarked on the experience of collectors at the show, “Art collectors appreciate The Art Show because the intimate atmosphere and consistently high level of works present an ideal opportunity to interact with our expert dealers and purchase works in a refined environment.”

The 2012 Art Show leads a contingent of art fairs around New York City such as The Armory Show, VOLTA, Pulse, RedDot, and SCOPE, which also take place during the same week. Adam Sheffer, Chairman of The Art Show Committee, reflects, “As the city’s and the nation’s longest running art fair, The Art Show inspires New Yorkers and visitors alike to view and purchase exquisite works of art from the most exciting historical and contemporary artists.”

The Art Show strikes a dynamic balance among its exhibitors, who come from all over the country to present works by historic, modern, and contemporary artists. As in recent years, the 2012 Art Show will include a number of stand out solo and two person exhibitions, such as: Cindy Sherman’s “Murder Mystery” collage series from 1976 at Metro Pictures; new work by Suzan Frecon at David Zwirner Gallery; a two-person exhibition of David Wojnarowicz and Hunter Reynolds from P•P•O•W; Dorothea Rockburne at Greenberg Van Doren Gallery; a presentation of Rudy Burkhardt: Photographs and Films of New York from Tibor de Nagy Gallery; new work by Philip Pearlstein at Betty Cuningham Gallery; and “Gaston Lachaise/Louise Bourgeois: An Affinity” a two person installation from Cheim & Read. Other exhibition highlights include: a historic look at Acquavella Galleries, “Acquavella: The First 90 Years”; a group show of women artists at Galerie Lelong; and a thematic exhibition from Mary-Anne Martin/Fine Art entitled “Surrealism in Latin America.”

Global art insurance specialist, AXA Art Insurance will serve as Lead Sponsoring Partner of The Art Show 2012. AXA Art has been providing its private, corporate and commercial clients with tailor-made art insurance products and services for over 60 years.

Daily admission to The Art Show from March 7th – 11th, and its Gala Preview on March 6th, 2012, benefits Henry Street Settlement, one of New York City’s best-known and most effective social services agencies.