While presented by a group called 4heads, the Governors Island Art Fair is a heartfelt affair. Now in its ninth year, the sprawling fest, which is heralded as New York’s largest independent exhibition, is all about fostering the creative community. The artists who take part install their own work and are usually on hand throughout the fair’s run to greet visitors and answer questions. Over 100 artists are participating in the 2016 edition, which has expanded to three locations, Colonels Row, Fort Jay, and, new for this year, Castle Williams. Below you’ll find a photo gallery with highlights from the show.

Those interested in seeing everything at a leisurely pace should allocate around three hours. You’re best starting with the buildings on Colonels Row. A majority of the fair is housed in this area, with each room devoted to a different artist. If you’ve been to GIAF before, you’ll likely recognize some of the participants from previous years. Among the returnees to be on the look out for are Kumasi J. Barnett, Borinquen Gallo, Peter Goldwater, Sam Horowitz, and Bernice Sokol Kramer. Also in the buildings, be sure to seek out Jia Wang’s zoetrope, Jada Fabrizio’s photographs, and Taezoo Park’s kinetic installations.

Castle Williams is definitely worth a stroll through. The early 19th century fort’s outdoor space hosts an installation by Jose Carlos Casado that’s inspired by a trip the artist took to the archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. Venture farther and you’ll find Chaney Trotter’s eery wan(ing wax)ing, Elizabeth Keithline’s wire animals, and a banana sculpture by Charlie Cunningham.

Over at Fort Jay, there are sculptures and video installations to browse. Down in the magazine, be sure to check out Wiley Aker’s video projections, and Coalfather Industries’ User Experience, which offers an absurd look at how future species might view us after we have become extinct.

The grounds around the venues are dotted with a variety of sculptures. The most striking being Aleksandr Razin’s artwork made from car parts, and Rodrigo Nava’s steel sculptures.

The Governors Island Art Fair is open Saturday and Sundays from September 3-25, 2016. Hours are 11am-6pm. For additional information visit the fair’s website.

Photo above is of Jose Carlos Casado’s installation at Castle Williams. All photos taken by Mindy Bond.