|
|
 American International Fine Art Fair
Feb 4-8, 2009, Palm Beach, FL, USA |
| The American International Fine Art Fair in Palm Beach Marks 12th Anniversary with Expanded Program for Visitors |
 |
PALM BEACH, FL Sept. 2008 – An extraordinary array of exceptional works of art, antiques, and jewelry will add to the allure of Florida’s Gold Coast February 4 - 8, 2009 as the Palm Beaches host the American International Fine Art Fair. This event has been once again recognized by The Art Newspaper as America’s only 5-star art & antique fair.
More than 90 prestigious exhibitors from more than 13 countries are anticipated to attract local and international connoisseurs, as well as the Palm Beach cultural community, for an international event highlighted by carefully vetted exhibits featuring artwork of all periods and disciplines. In addition, the fair offers the largest collection of period and haute couture jewelry found in any US exhibition.
“Within the realm of art and antique fairs, the Palm Beach event is globally recognized as America’s most glamorous and elegant art & antique fair,” says David Lester, who founded the event in 1997 with his wife Lee Ann. The Lesters have resumed ownership this year at the request of the dealers and will personally provide direction of the fair which next year marks its 12th anniversary. Originally known as the Palm Beach International Art and Antique Fair, the first event was conducted under the canopy of a temporary facility on Flagler Avenue in 1997.
Today, having expanded to the spacious new Palm Beach County Convention Center, the fair presents an even larger and varied range of exhibitions and prestigious participants. It has garnered recognition by respected critics who have likened it to an American version of Europe’s famed annual fine art fair in Maastricht.
“This event has progressed greatly since its inception,” says David Lester. “Yet, the growth is due to more than the superb quality of the artwork displayed - the event provides a unique, elegant yet intimate atmosphere which makes possible a special interaction between the dealers and collectors. The goal of the fair is to provide exhibitors with a world class venue for showcasing their artwork and opportunity to develop new relationships with fledgling collectors as well as connoisseurs who regularly peruse the global marketplace seeking rare and unusual acquisitions.”
The organizers will offer a newly devised full slate of daily activities for fair visitors in 2009. Many will have the opportunity to visit a number of the Palm Beaches’ multiple recreational, cultural and landmark architectural venues. The fair offers a new "EveryWhim" concierge service to VIP fair attendees.
Daytime activities allow for golf, tennis and beach outings. Educational and informative lectures will take place daily at the fair. Groups will be hosted at daily brunches, high teas, and cocktail parties on the floor of the fair. Evening invitational events include private dinners at the Norton Museum of Art, the Flagler Museum and Donald Trump’s exquisite Mar-a-Lago estate.
The event commences February 3 with a private Vernissage and reception sponsored by legendary jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the Norton Museum of Art. The Norton Museum will feature exhibitions of works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams concurrently during the fair, and there will be reciprocal admission between the fair and the museum during fair week.
On Friday evening, the organizers and dealers will host a unique tribute evening to honor regional museum directors who have made special contributions to the cultural community of the Southeast United States. The cocktail and dinner event will take place at the Flagler Museum’s new glass atrium which overlooks Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway.
“The extraordinary scope of art, antiques and jewelry are only part of what makes this annual fair week so wonderful,” says David Lester. “For many, the experience of a midwinter visit to the Palm Beaches is a special experience unto itself. It offers a chance for collectors to partake of a full range of local cultural events, the warm hospitality of the fair's dealers, and an opportunity to spend time in uniquely elegant environments throughout each day and evening.
General admission fees to the American International Fine Art Fair vary from $25 for a one day pass to $35 for a multi-day pass (or $45 and $55 respectively with hard-cover catalog).
For more details on activities and to view list of exhibitors, visit the American International Fine Art Fair website at www.aifaf.com or phone organizers at
(239) 949-5411.
American International Fine Art Fair
www.aifaf.com |
|
|
|
