A Conversation with NYIABF Ambassador Connor Holloway

Connor Holloway (they/them) born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, is a dancer, reader, writer, producer and content creator. Connor moved to NYC in 2013 to dance with American Ballet Theatre where they met Isabella Boylston and later launched the Webby-nominated, Ballerina Book Club, in partnership with ALL ARTS in 2020.

Connor is serving as an Ambassador for the 65th Annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, joining a dynamic group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry leaders who are shaping the conversation around collecting, preservation, and the cultural importance of historical materials. Ahead of the fair, we had the opportunity to ask Connor a few questions.

Advice

For New Collectors:

What advice would you offer to someone just beginning their journey in collecting?

Trust your gut. If you feel an emotional or sentimental connection to it, get it. You’ll never regret owning something you feel personally connected to. (And you can always sell it).

Words of Wisdom:

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about collecting or hunting rare books?

“Buy or cry.” One of my besties, Sidney, always asks me this when she sees my internal deliberation wheels spinning over a piece. And the sentiment is… if you’re going to regret walking away without the item, then don’t walk away without it. If I’m really unsure, I’ll take a picture and then take a walk. If I’m still thinking about it 30 minutes later, I go back.

Plugs

Proud Project:

Can you share a recent project or exhibition that you’re particularly proud of?

I just finished Anne Imhof’s Doom: House of Hope at the Armory where I was both dancer and dance captain. It was a really special project with a really remarkable creative team behind it. I think I’m still recovering from an inspiration hangover. 

Upcoming Excitement:

What are you excited to show and/or see at New York Antiquarian Book Fair?

Honey & Wax has a gorge copy of the 1913 “Modes et Manières d’Aujourd’hui” which houses twelve hand-colored Art Deco fashion plates by Charles Martin. There’s specifically one image of a red-haired person wearing red thigh high boots and fringe looking particularly bored over a dead turkey in their kitchen – a must see. 

James Cummins Bookseller has a signed copy of Andy Warhol’s Index coffee table book (number 26/355) that I’d love to get a closer look at.