Since opening D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery in Ridgefield in 2021, it’s been my absolute pleasure to meet and curate a growing roster of incredible artists. From the beginning, my mission has been clear: to bring artists beyond the gallery walls and into new communities of collectors by participating in top-tier fine art fairs across the country. Because let’s face it—if you want to help artists thrive, you have to take the art where the collectors are.
There’s no better platform for that than an international art fair. These events open doors, spark conversations, and create opportunities that can transform an artist’s path. That’s why I’m proud to say that D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery will return this December for our third year at the SCOPE International Contemporary Art Show in Miami.
Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Being invited to a fair like SCOPE requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands consistency, a well-curated program, strong relationships with artists, and a proven track record of sales. Not to mention the financial investment: travel, shipping, booth costs—these are significant. As a curator, I have to be selective. It requires artists whose work resonates and whose careers are ready for this kind of exposure.
I’m thrilled to announce that this year, we’ll be presenting a powerful group of artists at SCOPE: Lily Fertik, Gregg Emery, Karolina Karlsson, and Eve B. Each of whom brings something unique to the table, and each has been reviewed and accepted by SCOPE’s curatorial team—a testament to the strength of their work and their readiness for this international stage.
The journey to the art fair is sometimes challenging but always rewarding—and I’m proud to walk that path alongside the artists I represent.
Gregg Emery
For Gregg Emery, attending SCOPE is an opportunity to share his story and interact with collectors and enthusiasts. “I remember many years ago, seeing these fairs from the outside and wondering if there would be a day I would see my work on those walls,” he says.
Emery believes that showing at fairs like SCOPE is a realization of his art’s purpose.
“I heard an artist talk recently about how his works are not complete until they have an audience,” says Emery. “This resonates with me on a deeper level as I look towards my upcoming shows.”
SCOPE 2025 marks a return visit for Emery, who exhibited with D Colabella last year. “I have never, in my long career as an artist, had so many eyes on my work, so many positive accolades, and so many deep connections than I did after that show.” says Emery.
Lily Fertik
Lily Fertik realized as a young girl that the art world was where she wanted to be. She visited museums and not only studied the masterpieces on the wall, but she also witnessed people’s reactions to the art. “I would observe people’s expressions and watch how their moods and body language changed. I was moved when their deep emotions came through. I knew this is where I wanted to live,” she says.
Fertik, who has shown at D.Colabella Fine Art Gallery as well as Arbor Gallery in Carmel, NY, is thrilled about going to SCOPE. “Getting into such an art show is very telling of how much I have grown as an artist,” says Fertik, who is looking forward to the experience. “The more eyes that see what I create, the more love I spread and the more I can create with that love,” she says.
Karolina Karlsson
Karolina Karlsson, a Swedish-American artist based between New York and St. Barth’s, found a love for creating from an early age. “I grew up surrounded by my grandfather’s artwork and an easel in my bedroom,” says Karlsson, whose art is inspired by her time spent in the Caribbean. She always hoped to be part of a fair on SCOPE’s scale. “Seeing that dream come to life feels surreal. I am truly grateful for the opportunity,” she says.
While Karlsson has shown in a variety of international shows, each show offers a chance to demonstrate that her work resonates beyond her studio. “Experiencing the texture, scale, and energy of a piece in person can’t really be captured in photos,” she says. “Meeting collectors face-to-face leads to stronger relationships. I get to share where the work comes from and, in turn, hear how it speaks to them.”
Eve B.
Eve B. started out in performance arts and production, so creating curiosity and joy through art was very natural for her. Her denim series titled ‘Cuff It’ shares her language around sustainability and also nostalgia, because everyone has their own history with the material.
Eve, who hails from Perth, Western Australia, says it still feels surreal to see her art alongside incredible artists from around the world. This year marks her second time at SCOPE. “Last year gave me a sense of belonging,” she says. “I left with new connections, but more importantly, a deeper belief in my place in the art world.”
Eve’s sculptural pieces are best viewed in person. “Standing together in front of a piece of art – it’s intimate. People feel the work differently when they hear the heart behind the piece. It’s those moments that stay with both of us,” says Eve. •
