Travelers Fine Art Sees an Opportunity for Galleries, Collectors and Artists at the Affordable Art Fair

Proving that quality art can be a sound investment, more than 60 galleries from around the world will converge in New York City this week for the Affordable Art Fair. From exhibitors looking to connect with collectors seeking affordable options, to the new and experienced collector seeking to support the ambitions of emerging artists, Travelers Fine Art sees this year’s show as being about opportunity.

“Art galleries have to overcome many challenges in this economy to be successful,” said Andrew Gristina, Fine Art Specialist, Travelers Inland Marine. “Exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair provides art galleries and artists a chance to reach prospective buyers and expand their client base. It also gives collectors a rare opportunity to survey work by emerging artists before the artist’s work is priced out of reach for most people.”

“Well conceived and well executed art is a more durable investment at a time when returns from the market are unpredictable,” says Helen Allen, Executive Director of Ramsay Fairs. Ms. Allen, who brought the Affordable Art Fair to New York in 2002, also notes that “what has stood out in recent months is that affordable works are still selling, and selling well.”

Travelers Fine Art is proud to support the fine art community through its sponsorship of the Affordable Art Fair 2009. At this year’s fair, collectors can have their new acquisitions packaged for transport at the wrapping station sponsored by Travelers. Additionally, Travelers will present a series of panel discussions, in conjunction with artlog, Aperture Foundation and the School of Visual Arts. The discussions are as scheduled:

• Thursday, May 7, 5:00 p.m. ET – Portraiture in Contemporary Photography, moderated by Lesley A. Martin;
• Friday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. ET – America's Next Top Artist, moderated by Manish Vora;
• Saturday, May 9, 5:00 p.m. ET – Building Your Own Art Empire in a Recession, moderated by Steven Sergiovanni.

Gristina continued, “Travelers celebrates and supports the entrepreneurial spirit of galleries and artists and we encourage the public to visit the Affordable Art Fair 2009 to find that special work of art that will begin or enhance their collection.”

Travelers Fine Art is part of the Travelers Inland Network which provides fine art underwriting expertise, access to specialized Risk Control services to help identify and reduce risks, the Specialty Investigations Group to assist in theft prevention and the recovery of stolen property, and specialized Fine Art claim professionals with the expertise needed to evaluate, defend and resolve fine art insurance claims. For more information on Travelers Fine Art coverage and other risk management tips, contact your independent insurance agent or broker.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in the auto, home and business settings. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. The company has 33,000 employees. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.