An incredible 6 days packed with art from across the globe that was organized into 13 shows scattered through Manhattan, and for the first time in Brooklyn, ended in a drenching downpour last night. I might have been soaked through but it didn't dampen my appreciation for this annual event, which gets bigger every year. If you didn't get there, and you like a side of glitz and glamour with your art, mark your 2012 calendar now for the first week of March.

Above are views from Pier 94, which had more video works than ever this year. One expert says that as plasma screen resolution has improved, many collectors who have multiple residents like the fact that they can drop a DVD into their hand luggage, with no worries at the customs counter. Photos: Peggy Roalf.

The "new" Armory Show originated in 1994 and was held in the old Gramarcy Hotel. The name pays homage to the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art, held at Manhattan's 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue and 26th Street. Originally developed as a contemporary art fair, today's Armory Show added a modern section a few years ago when it began occupying the massive exhibition piers 92 and 94 on Manhattan's West Side.

Although the Armory Show is a trade fair, for people who love art, this event is a great way to see what's happ[ening beyond galleries and museums. Each year there are noticible trends and this year was no exception, with more than a few examples of photorealist paintings at colossal scale. I always wondered what is the appeal while being hugely impressed by how difficult it must be to do well.

But my only question for now is, Why doesn't the city make it official - as it does Fashion Week and Restaurant Week? Mayor Bloomberg, who opened the Armory Show last Wednesday, estimates that the city-wide events are expected to bring in more than $40m this year. And as art becomes more and more a global industry, the designation would put even more gloss on Our Fair City [oops, well, ok, so I really meant it...]