NEW YORK, NY.- After visiting numerous galleries over the years, in 1988 Sanford Smith noticed a trend. “Almost every gallery had a closet full of works on paper; drawings, prints, watercolors...Works that could not compete with more expensive pieces for wall space.”

Inspired by these often overlooked pieces, Works on Paper opened as a special showcase devoted to art on paper. At the time, no other show in the world covered such a range of material. Twenty years later, Works on Paper is still the finest show of its kind.

The fair’s 20th anniversary will be a veritable tribute to the scope of this event. Over 70 international dealers will bring together their finest drawings, prints, watercolors, photography, architectural renderings, illustrated books, posters and more.

Reflecting the show’s own evolution and the development of the art on paper market over the years, the displays will span from old masters to contemporary works.

EXHIBITORS - Many dealers return to Works on Paper this year, including: Hill Stone (New York) with old master and modern prints and drawings; Galerie Grillon (Paris) with original etchings and lithographs; The Art of Japan (Medina,WA) bringing fine Japanese prints and drawings of the 18th - 20th centuries; Babcock Galleries (New York), established in 1852 and specializing in American art of all periods; William Weston Gallery (London) with 19th and 20th century European and British master prints; Lori Bookstein Fine Art (New York) featuring a one man show of the work of architect Louis I. Kahn; and Adam Gallery (London) with a special display dedicated to Richard Cartwright.

Works on Paper welcomes new exhibitors: Stevens Fine Art (Phoenix, AZ), Vincent Vallarino Fine Art (New York), Bernarducci Meisel Gallery (New York), Jan Juffermans Fine Art (Netherlands), Lost City Arts (New York) and DJT Fine Art (New York).

PREVIEW - The 2008 Works on Paper Benefit Preview will offer a first look at the fair on Thursday, February 28 with a cocktail buffet and a silent auction; lead sponsorship is provided by Lehman Brothers. The notable artist Paul Jenkins is the honorary chair of this event. All proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction benefit Citizens' Committee for Children of New York, Inc.