The March Madness has begun in the art world. Taking a cue from the mama fair, The Armory Show, which takes over Piers 92 and 94 (and opens today through the 8th), a host of boutique fairs (SCOPE, Volta, Bridge, Pool Art and Pulse, etc.) have sprung up around the city to entice the art lovers of all persuasions and wallet sizes. Yesterday, at SCOPE New York's preview I got an eyeful of "emerging art" from around the world which included a healthy dose of installations and new media. Despite the bleak economy-enduced jitters, inside the temporary tents erected at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center, the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves, catching up with old acquaintances and just scoping out what's out there for sale. There were some of those eye-catching red dots next to the works sprinkled throughout the fair and you could just hear the sigh of relief the gallerists must have breathed. A photographer friend I ran into said, "I've been shooting a lot and I just came to see what gallery would be compatible with my work." Another artist friend confided, "I've never been involved with anything like this before so it's kind of really cool."

Throughout the fair, SCOPE New York will be hosting a slew of screenings and panel discussions. Here are some recommendations:

Friday, March 6, 3-4 p.m.
A Stranger in a Strange Land - A Quest to Understand the Russian Soul
Curated by Lee Wells

Saturday, March 7, 12-4 p.m.
Regeneration Hex-You Are Your Own Screen
Curated by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge

Saturday, March 7, 6-8 p.m. & Sunday, March 8, 12-2 p.m.
The Films of George Kuchar - Videographic Violations Sinema Show
Curated by John Pollard and ADA Gallery

Sunday, March 8, 4-6 p.m.
Street Art Now
Carlo McCormick (moderator), WK Interact, The Wooster Collective

For more information, go to www.scope-art.com.

SCOPE Pavilion at Lincoln Center, Damrosch Park, 62nd St. (btw. Ninth and Tenth Aves.), General admission $15, March 5-7 (12-8 p.m.), March 8 (12-7 p.m.).

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE NAVIN
www.christinenavin.com