Alexis Martinez's glass-blown water balloons, Deanna Billy Projects' mini wiener paintings and Abu Oluwaseyi's abstract portraits caught my eye at this year’s Affordable Art Fair in New York. Despite the range in price, from $100 to $12,000, the atmosphere feels more approachable than its more exclusive peers. Visitors were chatty and engaging, discussing everything from miniature hot dogs ($150 a wiener) to vintage map prints that resemble bubble wrap ($1300 to $3500).

Iranian American artist Fara Thomas, who runs a one-woman show, explained how her resin-based artworks blend shapes, textures, and dimensions, making them a unique combination of sculpture and painting. 'Color is my language,' she said, standing in front of one of her hanging pieces. 'Even though it can be in the pain in the ahem.'

At Spiralis Gallery’s booth, Abu Oluwaseyi's works stood out with their captivating blend of pattern and portrait. As curator Gail Patterson noted, 'Oluwaseyi is special to me because he only paints strong women, by themselves, looking directly at the audience.' 'Welcome to my Neighborhood' (2025), priced at $4,850, was a standout.

From Dylan Martinez’s $800 glass-blown water balloons to Tom Pfannserstill’s $1,150 hand-painted 'Apple and Eve' juice box, the fair offered plenty of light-hearted pieces. As the night progressed, the crowds grew denser but more engaged, with artists, exhibitors and visitors mingling in lively exchange. If I could inject my wallet with a bit of filler, I might even take home a painting, miniature or sculpture from one of the 91 booths.