Art Basel Opens to Crowds and Champagne

     Those who did not make it to Art Basel Miami Beach's vernissage on Wedenesday night flocked to the fair on Thursday for its public opening. Long lines at the valet snaked down the street and inside was a constant hum of people, chatter, and the chimes and pings of smart phone communication.

     The fair had an impressive roster of speakers, including afternoon salons with speakers such as conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth with Josh Baer, a long time gallerist and dealer, and installation artist Olafur Eliasson with Klaus Biesenbach, a P.S. Museum of Modern Art Curator.

   Artists who have worked or have been associated with the East End were much in evidence throughout the fair, including a new series by Eric Fischl that marked a return to his more native themes, this time, a group of paintings at Mary Boone of people looking at art in a gallery setting.