Categories: Audrey Bernard,
Almost 200 enthusiastic guests braved dangerously cold temperatures to attend the Harlem Fine Art Show 18 and Room & Board’s 30-Day Countdown & Preview Reception on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Room & Board at 236 West 18th Street, New York City. Nothing was going to keep this eclectic group of community partners, sponsors, artists, collectors, elected officials and chic art lovers, from attending the final countdown to the highly anticipated 18th Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS18). This show of determination was fueled by love and a result of what happens when “community, creativity, and culture come together with purpose.” The vibrant evening began with an engaging mix-and-mingle hour featuring curated cocktails, flowing music, and meaningful networking with media, sponsors, artists, and partners.
The motivational program began with warm welcoming remarks from Mark Binke, Leadership Associate, Room & Board; Dion Clarke, Founder & CEO, Harlem Fine Arts Show; Richard E. Pelzer II, Managing Partner & General Manager, Harlem Fine Arts Show; and host Wesley Houser followed by Antoinette Montague’s powerful performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which set the tone for an inspirational evening.
The pristine program consisted of acknowledgements and announcements. Community & Artist Acknowledgements included an introduction by Ulysses S. Williams, Executive Director, ArtCrawl Harlem. Artist greetings from Fitgi St. Louis. HFAS18 Advisory Board recognition. Harlem Booth & Community Partner highlights. ART HEALS & Future-Forward announcements included Sing for Hope Pianos with Patrick Freeman, ART HEALS Initiative featuring Uzo Osameka, Aleathia Brown & Latashia Agelink (TOUCH BBCA), Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter. Also, AAIM announced The Art of Healing: Celebrating African Americans in Medicine — 13th Annual Honorees; and AAIT announced The Future Is Now: Celebrating African Americans in Technology by Venus Rose.
Other highlights included special remarks from Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre Group / Harlem Arts Alliance), Michael Palma (West Harlem Arts Alliance), and Victoria Felix (HFAS18 Advisory Board, East Harlem). NiLu Harlem Gift Boutique will serve as the official gift shop at the Glasshouse this year. Finally the community recognition of W Lab Inc. and the acknowledgement of HFAS18’s outstanding staff members. The vibrant evening closed with final networking, hospitality, and gratitude—featuring delicious bites by Chef Cornel’s Catering Co. Inc. and beverages by Habanero Papi.
If you missed out on that event, check your mail to see if you received an invitation to Harlem by Design: The Village on a Global Stage taking place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, hosted by Black History Month arts, culture, and design exchange celebrating Harlem as both a creative village and a global cultural platform at Heyground Harlem from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The invite-only event is presented by Harlem CLX & Stapledon Arts in collaboration with Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS18) × NYCxDESIGN Festival Harlem. Heyground Harlem by Communitas is the venue partner.
This purpose-driven gathering brings together artists, designers, cultural producers, entrepreneurs, educators, and civic leaders to honor Harlem’s legacy of creative excellence while advancing a shared vision for its future. More than a mixer, Harlem by Design is a cultural exchange—positioning art and design as tools for storytelling, diplomacy, and community-led development. Guests will enjoy curated conversation, meaningful connection, and hospitality by Brunch at Zion’s by Chef Chrystina, with cocktails by Habanero Papi. This intimate and intentional evening is curated and coordinated by Charlecia Joy, Founder & CEO, Stapledon Arts, and Richard E. Pelzer II, Founder, Harlem CLX. Tickets and full event details for HFAS18/Art for Technology are available now at HFAS.org.
