Historic American art took center stage in New York last week. The American Art Fair, in its fifth incarnation, started off American Paintings Week on an upbeat note with 17 exhibitors showing important 18th-,19th- and early 20th-century American artworks, arrayed elegantly in the Bohemian National Hall from Nov. 26 to 29.

The only remaining fair to focus exclusively on American art up to the 20th century's modern era, The American Art Fair drew a crowd of about 450 visitors for its opening preview. Gallerists noted that the right kind of audience, those serious about this niche of the art market, are attracted to the event.

Sales in the six-and-seven figures were made, according to gallery owner Debra Force who reportedly turned around a quick sale of an important Thomas Le Clear genre painting of figures in Brooklyn, circa 1862.