The American International Fine Art Fair Opens This February With a Prestigious List of New Exhibitors

Palm Beach, FL – December 22, 2009 – More than 30 new exhibitors will join an exclusive list of returning galleries at the six-day American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF), February 3-8 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. AIFAF, the only international art and antiques fair in the United States rated 5-stars by The Art Newspaper, and features more than 80 prominent exhibiting galleries from over 13 countries.

First-time additions to the 2010 gallery roster include, Antoine Helwaser Gallery (Riverdale, NY), Avery Galleries (Bryn Mawr, PA), Callaghan Fine Paintings (Shrewsbury), Cernuda Arte (Coral Gables), Eostone (Doral), Galerie Frank Monsonego (Paris), Galerie Koch (Hannover), II Quadrifoglio (Milan), John Atzbach (Washington), Lebreton (San Francisco), Lillian Nassau (New York), Moylan-Smelkinson (Baltimore), Rehs Galleries (New York), Robert Hall (London), S. Bohm Antiquitaten (Paris), Scavia (Milan), Simon Capstick – Dale Fine Art (New York), Susan Ollemans Oriental Art (London), Tomasso Brothers (Leeds), William Cook (Wiltshire), and Willow Gallery (London).

Previous exhibitors absent last year and now returning to the fold are Evelyn Amis Fine Art (Miami), The Antique Enamel Company (London), Brenske Gallery (Munich), Fine Textile Art (London), Hancocks (London), Heinley Fine Art (Boston), Lawrence Steigrad Fine Arts (New York), Salis & Vertes (Zurich), and Sylvia Powell Decorative Arts (London).

“These new dealers along with our mainstay exhibitors will offer a broad array of artwork designed to appeal to the most discriminating collectors,” said David Lester, Fair Organizer. “AIFAF has a tradition of being one of the largest and most prestigious international fine art and antique fairs in the United States. This year’s exhibitors – new and returning – will no doubt continue that tradition.”

Collectors will be impressed by the variety and quality of the artwork on display at AIFAF. “AIFAF truly offers something for everyone,” said Lester. “The atmosphere is upscale and relaxed, with a broad array of offerings among the various specialties.”

The paintings on display at AIFAF range from Old Masters to mid-century European modern and contemporary styles at stands such as Berry-Hill, Derek John, Dickinson, Hollis Taggart, MacConnal-Mason, and Richard Green. Lavish period furniture from the 16th to mid 20th century is also plentiful, courtesy of Carlton Hobbs, Macklowe, Mallet, and M.S. Rau. And dazzling jewelry in a gathering of dealers unrivaled among fine art and antique fairs will be offered by Buccellati, David Morris, Graff, Hancocks, Richter’s, Sabbadini, Scavia, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Veronique Bamps.

To assure authenticity, all artwork on display goes through a rigorous vetting process. Over 35 international museum professionals and experts in every field form the American International Fine Art Fair 2010 Vetting Committee. “The Committee allows collectors to be assured that their purchases have been meticulously vetted and have met the highest standards of authenticity,” said Lester.

The many new exhibitors in 2010 will arrive to see an exciting and innovative new design layout. The new floor plan will disperse crowds throughout the fair, and ultimately draw crowds to the Center Court where an elegant bar will serve caviar, smoked salmon, oysters and champagne. The fair will also introduce a new VIP lounge, a new formal restaurant that offers a variety of gourmet selections served on fine china, and a new café and sushi bar that offer sophisticated dining alternatives.

Last year’s successful format continues with a full schedule of daily activities complementing the exhibitions. The activities at the 2010 fair include informative lectures from highly respected museum curators and art experts, as well as cocktail parties.

Despite challenging economic conditions, AIFAF had unexpectedly strong attendance of 24,000 in 2009, with strong sales reported from numerous dealers. Lester expects the fair to be even busier this year due to the rebounding U.S. economy, “The quality and selection offered by new and returning exhibitors makes the fair a must-destination for discerning collectors.”

AIFAF commences with an invitation-only Vernissage, Tuesday, February 3 benefiting the Norton Museum of Art. The fair opens to the public beginning Wednesday, February 4. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. through February 7 and noon to 6 p.m. on February 8. General admission fees range from $25 for a one day pass, $35 for a multi-day pass or $45 and $55 respectively with a catalogue. For more details on fair activities and to view the most updated list of exhibitors, please visit the AIFAF Web site at www.aifaf.com or call (239) 949-5411.

About AIFAF

The American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF) from February 3–8, 2010, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, has been recognized as the “crown jewel” of American art fairs. It is the only American art and antiques fair rated 5-stars by The Art Newspaper. AIFAF is a fully vetted fair featuring prestigious international dealers presenting paintings, sculpture, jewelry, antiques, contemporary design and decorative arts.

About IFAE

David and Lee Ann Lester, founders of International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) have been the pioneers of the Florida art fair market, establishing Art Miami in January, 1991, The Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair (now AIFAF) in 1997, and Art Palm Beach in 1998.

In 2009, the Lesters resumed control of the two Palm Beach fairs, established MIA in the traditional January dates at the Miami Beach Convention Center formerly occupied for 16 years by their former Art Miami fair, and entered a joint venture with Clarion Events to serve as the partners and executive management of the Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair, now re-branded as the London International Fine Art Fair at Olympia. Most recently they have announced plans for the Naples International Art and Antique Fair.

<< Back To News