Among the first satellite fairs to emerge concurrent with Art Basel Miami Beach, the annual NADA Art Fair moves from mainland Miami to North Beach this year.

The seventh annual edition of the New Art Dealers Alliance will be held December 3 through 6 at the Deauville Beach Resort, at 6701 Collins Avenue.  The fair will feature representatives from more than 70 galleries from over 30 cities, with an emphasis on emerging talents. And for the first time, NADA will dedicate a section of the fair to solo presentations by selected artists.

For the past five years, NADA was held in the Ice Palace Studios, a production facility in the southern end of Miami’s Wynwood section. The fair’s move from a gritty industrial district to an  oceanfront MiMo hotel means North Beach residents will enjoy, for the first time, unprecedented access to contemporary art in their own neighborhood.

The new location brings the fair a broader range of amenities, from more parking to nearby restaurants and stores, said Heather Hubbs, director of NADA. “The easier it is on the exhibitors, the better,” she said. “Art fairs are pretty grueling.”

The trip between North Beach and the Miami Beach Convention Center, where Art Basel is staged, is also more convenient compared to the former location, Hubbs said. City buses and taxis are plentiful and complimentary shuttle service will be available between the Deauville and the convention center as well as the Deauville and Wynwood, she noted. Hubbs added that many out-of-town fair attendees stay in hotels in mid-Beach and points north, a quick trip from NADA’s new home.

The 2009 fair will be on par, in terms of size, with 2008, she said. Although last year’s fair kicked off as world financial markets and economies were crashing, the biggest difference will be the shift in expectations.  “The galleries have a clear idea now of what they can do, ” Hubbs maintained. “The market was booming for so long.”

Would-be collectors who had been priced out of an overheated market that rivaled Miami’s condo craze may well find some buying opportunities. But window shoppers are welcome: the fair remains open to the public and free of charge.

NADA Art Fair

Venue: Deauville Beach Resort
6701 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach

When: Thursday, December 3, 2pm to 8pm
Friday, December  4, 10am to 8pm
Saturday, Dec ember 5, 10am to 8pm
Sunday, December 6, 10am to 4pm

Admission:  Free