Behind the Scenes: Preparing Allied Art for Affordable Art Fair Boston 2026
With just weeks to go until Affordable Art Fair Boston 2026, the Allied Art workshop is a hive of activity. Every day brings another milestone as our team prepares a carefully curated collection of contemporary paintings for our debut appearance in Boston.
This isn't just about packing artwork into crates. Every frame, every finish and every detail is checked by hand to ensure each piece arrives in perfect condition and is ready to hang the moment the fair opens.
Every Frame Matters
One of the biggest jobs in the lead-up to the fair is framing. Our workshop has been filled with stacks of handcrafted mouldings, each one cut, joined and finished to complement the artwork it will surround.
The right frame doesn't simply protect a painting—it becomes part of the overall presentation, allowing the colours and textures to shine while giving collectors a beautifully finished piece that's ready for their home.
Hand-Finished, One Piece at a Time
Our framing benches have barely stopped for weeks. Every painting is individually assembled, inspected and wrapped before moving on to photography, cataloguing and final packing.
Rather than relying on mass production, we take the time to finish every artworks fabrication by hand. It's a slower process, but one we believe is worth it.
Curating the Collection
Preparing for an international art fair is as much about curation as it is logistics.
For Boston we've selected a collection that showcases the breadth of Allied Art, from expressive florals and atmospheric landscapes to striking contemporary works. Every painting has been chosen to complement the others, creating a stand that reflects the quality and diversity of the artists we represent.
Visitors can expect to discover work from:
- AJ Burns
- Cat Croxford
- Clive Jebbett
- Harriet Whyatt
- Katy Jade Dobson
- Katie Alize
- Mark Poprawski
- Martin Irish
Each artist brings a distinctive style, ensuring there's something for every collector—from first-time buyers to experienced enthusiasts.
Behind the Camera
Before any artwork leaves the workshop it is professionally photographed under studio lighting. These images are used across our website, social media channels and exhibition catalogue, allowing collectors to explore the collection before they even arrive at the fair.
It's another important step that often goes unseen but plays a huge part in presenting each painting at its very best.
Ready for Boston
There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing rows of freshly framed paintings stacked and ready for their journey across the Atlantic.
Every frame assembled, every corner protected and every painting wrapped represents months of work from our artists and team. We can't wait to share the finished collection with visitors at Affordable Art Fair Boston 2026.
If you're planning to attend the fair, we'd love you to stop by the Allied Art stand, meet Gordon & Dom - Gallery Directors, and discover a collection of original contemporary artwork created by some of today's most exciting artists.
We look forward to seeing you in Boston this October.
