Spring/Break Art Show Evolves but Keeps Its Distinctive Spirit

Launched in 2012, the Spring/Break Art Show began as a rebellious alternative to conventional fairs. Founders Andrew Gori and Ambre Kelly transformed an abandoned schoolhouse into a space filled with thematic, curated installations. Rather than traditional booths, the event featured immersive rooms where artworks were available for purchase, creating a do-it-yourself, experimental atmosphere full of whimsy.

Now over a decade later, Spring/Break has inevitably matured. It continues to operate within unconventional venues — this year occupying a floor in an office building near Hudson Square — with curators submitting proposals centered on a loose theme; for 2025, the theme is “Paradise Lost and Found.” The show has expanded to include solo artist presentations, yet it feels more polished and closer to the traditional art fair model it once challenged.

What still sets Spring/Break apart is its openness: artists without gallery representation exhibit alongside those represented by galleries. Naturally, the quality varies across the approximately 120 presentations, but this diversity makes discovering standout works especially rewarding. Below are some highlighted exhibits.

Eve Sussman and Simon Lee (Booth C8)

Longtime collaborators Eve Sussman and Simon Lee are among the most prominent and consistent contributors to Spring/Break. Whether curating other artists’ works or presenting their own, their installations tend to be intricate. Their 2025 piece, “The Stellas: A Fugue for Day Players,” is a multi-channel film developed with composer Volkmar Klien. It features actors performing a scene from the 1960s soap opera “Peyton Place,” continuously rotating roles and moving through a house. The work conveys both a sense of tension and deconstruction — hallmarks of Sussman and Lee’s style. The installation also includes microphones, inviting visitors to participate by reading lines and becoming part of the unfolding drama.

Eric Diehl (Booth A4)