Edward Potthast (1857-1927) "Ladies in White Dresses," circa 1910-20s. Oil on Panel, 8 1/2 x 11 1/2", signed lower left E:Potthast. Offered by Gerald Peters Gallery.

Now in its 19th year, the Boston International Fine Art Show (BIFAS) is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated events on the city’s arts calendar. Lauded for its wide range of offerings at varying price points, BIFAS caters to new and seasoned collectors alike. From traditional masterpieces and Modernist treasures to contemporary works, the esteemed show truly has something for everyone.

Andrew Stevovich "Game in a Garden," 2015. Oil on linen, 16 x 20 inches. Offered by Adelson Galleries.

This year’s show will kick off on Thursday, October 22, with a Gala Preview benefitting Boston College’s McMullen Museum of Art, which is currently under renovation. Held at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts in the city’s popular South End neighborhood, BIFAS attracts distinguished dealers from across the United States and Europe. Among the must-see exhibitors are Adelson Galleries (NY/MA), Avery Galleries (PA), Brock & Co. (MA), The Cooley Gallery (CT), Gerald Peters Gallery (NY/NM), Kendall Fine Art (GA), Questroyal Fine Art (NY), Vose Galleries (MA), and William Vareika Fine Arts (RI).  

BIFAS will include a robust program of events. Among the highlights are Yours Sincerely, John S. Sargent (Sunday, October 25, 2PM), a discussion led by Erica Hirshler, Croll Senior Curator of American Paintings at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, where an exhibition of the same name is currently on view. The show and lecture commemorate the recent gift to the MFA of the John Singer Sargent Archive by Jan and Warren Adelson and Richard and Leonee Ormand and bring the iconic painter to life through his letters, photographs, and sketches. At 3PM on Sunday, McMullen Museum curator Jeffery Howe will lead a presentation exploring John La Farge’s seminal stained glass windows. The discussion will be illustrated by photos of La Farge stained glass in New England. Adam Adelson of Adelson Galleries Boston will also lead a fascinating booth talk titled Sargent to Picasso: Evolution of Taste at the Beginning of the 20th Century on Friday at 5:30PM.   

BIFAS will remain open to the public through Sunday, October 25. For more information call 617.363.0405 or visit www.fineartboston.com.