The rite of spring in New York City is going to be marked by a series of event. The International Fine Art Fair at the Park Avenue Armory (67th street) will feature many of the world’s leading art dealers. The pictures range from Renaissance gold ground panel paintings to 20th century modern art. 

The Brooklyn Museum will have its monthly Target First Saturday on May 2. My personal pick among a variety of activities is the artist talk: At 8PM, Valerie Hegarty, a Brooklyn-based artist featured in the exhibition 21: Selections of Contemporary Art from the Brooklyn Museum, will discuss her work.

Just next door to the museum, the cherry blossom at Brooklyn Botanic Garden will peak at the same weekend, which will feature performances from traditional Japanese music and dance to concerts by some of Japan’s hottest J-pop stars.