Introducing a dramatic new design this year, the Fair featured a sleeker more modern look with LED lit fascia and black and grey toned wall coverings.  The revamp was well received with positive comments from attendees and press:

“It was clear – this wasn’t going to be your grandmother’s antique show,” commented ARTINFO.com journalist Janelle Zara in an article appearing the Monday following the fair opening.  She continued, “a new hipness was palpable.”

ARTNET headlined its review “AIFAF Palm Beach – Super-Chic Design and More…”

Within the first two hours of opening night Holden Luntz Gallery of Palm Beach had sold the signature AIFAF Fair image, “Girls in the Window” by Ormond Gigli for $30,000 dollars.  Additional prints of the photograph were sold throughout the following days along with multiple other works.

Also with early sales – London gallery, Richard Green, reported several seven-figure sales to numerous collectors including a work by French impressionist Alfred Sisley priced at 2 million dollars, a painting by Le Sidaner priced at 1.2 million, a major Montague Dawson Battle of Trafalgar as well as four Grimshaw works from a special featured exhibition of the artist’s work.

Galerie Terminus of Munich sold an original Richter from 1986 for an undisclosed seven-figure sum, a major Tom Wesselman cut-out priced at $485,000 as well as additional works including an original Zhuang Hong Yi.

Waterhouse & Dodd of London sold an original work by American sculptor and artist Alexander Calder as well as a Picasso drawing and various other works.

Michael Goedhuis – specializing in Chinese and Asian contemporary art and antiques – reported numerous sales totaling in the six-figure range.

Among other sales Mark Borghi Fine Art sold a Sam Francis acrylic painting, Untitled, 1994; a Jules Olitski pastel, Untitled; and a George Condo work on paper, Untitled, 1983.

Imperial Fine Books sold an extremely rare collection, Records of the Federated Convention, 1787, signed by the signers of the Constitution for 160,000 dollars.

Wick Antiques sold an extremely rare Dieppe ivory dagger from France and multiple other works

Among other dealers reporting sales were Alexander Gallery, Arcature Fine Art, Art Link, Avant Gallery, Christopher Kaufmann, Faberge, Garrido Gallery, Gladwell & Company, Guarisco Gallery, Jewels by Viggi, KM Fine Arts, Mallett, Mark Helliar 20th Century Design, Peter Finer, Rehs Galleries, Richter’s, Rosenberg Diamonds, The Silver Fund, Stern Pissarro, Thomas Colville, and Yvel.

In addition to significant sales, AIFAF attracted a diverse group of attendees including prominent collectors, museum curators, and NY press.

The American International Fine Art Fair will return February 6 – 10, with a new more compact six-day format designed so that the fair can offer visitors a full week of day and evening activities including a larger fair, a new educational Symposia, a Gala Charity Vernissage on February 5th, two Culinary Arts evenings with prominent visiting celebrity chefs which will be held in the fair itself on the evenings of Wednesday, February 6th and Thursday, February 7th, and visitors and fair guests will have the opportunity to attend prominent Palm Beach charity balls at landmark locations on Friday, February 8th and Saturday February 9th.

For more information on programming we welcome you to visit the website at www.aifaf.com or call 239-949-5411.

The past meets the present as International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) hosts an array of exhibits for the 16^th annual American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF) from February 3^rd through 12^th, 2012. 

Under the guidance of legendary artist-jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé’s grandchildren, Tatiana and Sarah Fabergé, Fabergé’s Creative and Managing Director Katharina Flohr is bringing AIFAF the exquisite jewels and objects of today that pay homage to those of the Russian Imperial Court.  “Distinguished by Fabergé’s dedication to excellence and pursuit of perfection, the jewels are both linked to Fabergé’s world, yet of the moment and relevant today, demonstrating the modernity that Peter Carl Fabergé was always able to bring to his own eclectic cultural and stylistic references,” states the company’s website.  The collection includes a new series of Fabergé eggs based on the lavish Imperial Easter eggs of the Romanov dynasty.

Fresh to the market, Lee Siegelson brings his third generation estate jewelry business to Palm Beach.  Exhibiting a unique inventory of rare gems and jewelry, such as a 19^th century diamond pendant necklace worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her 1953 coronation or an aquamarine and ruby “belt with a buckle” necklace created in 1935 by Fulco Duke of Verdura for Paul Flato, Siegelson’s presentation is directly tailored for the discerning collector.  The Siegelson website states, “Pieces offered by Siegelson are screened with a curatorial eye for art historical significance, taste and, ultimately, beauty.  Each jewel will stand the test of time, and will be as desirable fifty years from now as it is today.”

AIFAF 2012 features a Modern Masters exhibition, which includes works from Hammer Galleries. Hammer Galleries originally rose to prominence exhibiting

Courtesy of Hammer Galleries

 Russian icons in the early 1930s including the Russian Imperial Easter eggs by Peter Carl Fabergé.  Today, the gallery focuses on 19^th and 20^th century European and American Masters.  A 1950s oil-on-canvas painting in rich jewel tones by artist Marc Chagall, called Le Pont Neuf, is among the works provided by the gallery for AIFAF 2012.

Fine instruments join fine art as Violin Advisor in association with Rare Violins of New York present a collection of fine violins and other stringed instruments at AIFAF. Violin Advisor Stewart Pollens is the former conservator of musical instruments for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a position he held for 30 years. He is the global authority on musical instruments, including restoration and maintenance of historic pieces, as evidenced in his many scholarly achievements and analytical publications.

Leaders in the field of antiques, president and founder Torkom Demirjian’s team from Ariadne Galleries is bringing their expertise, acute aesthetic judgment, and sense of history to AIFAF 2012.  From their three locations in New York, Paris, and Munich, they will exhibit ancient art and classical antiques.  One such work is Torso of Aphrodite with Drapery, a Roman piece from the first to second century AD.  The sculpture of the goddess of love depicts physical perfection and feminine charm with a delicately draped stone form.

Age makes a difference for these models – classic cars collide with fine art at AIFAF 2012.  On a fair floor partially transformed into a showroom, long-loved wheels will rest for AIFAF’s attendees to admire.  It’s a first for this fair, rounding out the variety AIFAF provides for the discerning collector.

For more information on AIFAF please visit www.aifaf.com or call 239.949.5411.

The carefully selected presentation will include international dealers representing disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, and an extensive collection of haute and period jewelry. The fair is fully vetted by leading museum curators and experts.   

Continuing last year’s successful format, a full schedule of daily activities to coincide with the exhibitions will be included. These activities are comprised of informative lectures from highly respected museum curators and art experts, as well as cocktail parties and other social events.

To ensure all fair attendees receive full knowledge of the outstanding art exhibited at the fair, AIFAF will again partner with Corfield Morris to offer art advisory services to any visitor throughout the duration of the fair. Their team of independent expert advisers will be on hand to guide guests through the fair or straight to whatever they seek.

New to AIFAF in 2012, world-renowned Fabergé will present a special exhibition and lecture series – “Faberge: The Rebirth of an Icon”- lecture by Geza von Habsburg.  Paying homage to the legendary Imperial Eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Romanov family, and celebrating the Egg as a timeless universal symbol of life, Fabergé has designed a collection of one-of-a-kind High Jewelry Egg Pendants, Les Fameux de Fabergé.  Each design illustrates a traditional Russian proverb, through complex, multi-layered concepts brought to life by the finest craftsmanship in the world today.  The first of these creations launched in Paris during Couture Week, July 2011, marking the beginning of a series of twelve High Jewelry Egg Pendants, one for every month of the year.  Each pendant, a wearable object of desire, involves a lengthy, exacting and in many cases pioneering fabrication process, pushing boundaries of both design and manufacture, and taking contemporary craftsmanship to a new level of sophistication.

Among highlights for AIFAF’s lecture series this year, Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of “America’s Painter” Andrew Wyeth will present a special lecture and presentation.  Her unique personal perspective offers memories and insights unavailable before to the public.  Roger Ward, former Chief Curator at the Norton Museum of Art, will present “Who Owns That Art? Conspicuous Cases of Nazi-Era Restitution” and “Four Rediscovered Old Master Works; Leonardo, Raphael, Breughel and Velazquez.”  Bruce Helander, Editor-and-Chief of the Art Economist, will moderate a roundtable discussion and Erin Coe, Curator at the Hyde Collection, will present an informative lecture, “Georgia O’Keeffe at Lake George.”

For more information on AIFAF 2012, please visit our website at www.aifaf.com or call 239.949.5411.

IFAE continues last year’s successful format with a full schedule of daily activities to coincide with the exhibitions.  These activities include informative lectures from highly respected museum curators and art experts, as well as cocktail parties and other social events.  

This coming year AIFAF will be partnering with the Norton Museum of Art for the museum’s 70th Anniversary celebration.  With complimentary admission to all events on February 8th and shuttle buses running between the Palm Beach County Convention Center and the Norton Museum of Art on that day. 

During the preview evening Black River Caviar, a sponsor for the fair, will be serving caviar canapés to the VIP guest.  This service will continue into the fair with a daily “caviar and cocktail” hour in the Black River Caviar VIP Lounge.  

To ensure all fair attendees receive full knowledge of the outstanding art exhibited at the fair, AIFAF is partnering with Corfield Morris to offer art advisory services to any visitor throughout the duration of the fair.  Their team of independent expert advisers will be on hand to guide guests through the fair or straight to whatever they seek. 

Among the prestigious galleries exhibiting at AIFAF 2011 will be Richard Green, London (UK); Hammer Galleries, New York (USA); Graff, London (USA); and MacConnal-Mason, London (UK); Galerie Terminus, Munich (Germany); Buccellati, Milan (Italy); and Holden Luntz, Palm Beach (USA).

Richard Green Fine Art will bring the great names of the twentieth century to Palm Beach in February with an exhibition to include works by John Duncan Fergusson, Sir Alfred Munning, Pablo Picasso, Raoul Dufy, Sam Francis, and Josef Albert.  The first class exhibition will include Pablo Picasso’s Buste d’homme a la pipe, a self portrait of Picasso portrayed as a spirited musketeer dated January 28th, 1969 and John Duncan Fergusson’s 1930 portrait of Grace McColl, wife of his friend and patron Henry McColl; among other masterpieces.   

AIFAF will present a major Renoir exhibition in collaboration with Hammer Galleries.  The exhibit will include approximately 20 pieces from Renoir’s later works dating between 1885 and 1912.  Renoir was perhaps one of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.  A connoisseur of beauty, and especially feminine sensuality, Renoir’s paintings are celebrated for their vivid color and vibrant light, often focusing on subjects in intimate-settings.  Renoir’s style made him an artist whose works are among some of the most well-known in the history of art, sought after by both museums and private collectors throughout the world.

John Dugdale and Herb Ritts will be represented by Holden Luntz Gallery.  The Gallery will present an outstanding exhibition of never before seen photographs by fashion photographer Herb Ritts as well as photographs by allegorical photographer John Dugdale.  Dugdale has captured the attention of the art world not only for his amazing talent as an artist but also for his refusal to allow his disability to prevent him from pursuing his passion for photography.  John Dugdale is almost completely blind.         

Graff’s exhibition is sure to shine; literally.  They will be bringing an exclusive collection of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other rare gems; including a multi-color 46.52 carat diamond peacock brooch set in platinum and a 59.45 carat multi-shape diamond necklace with a 30.94 carat light pink briolette diamond drop!

Fasuto Zonaro will be among the artists represented by MacConnal-Mason as well as Sir Jacob Epstein.  Some of the highlights from MacConnal-Mason will be After the Game, a outstandingoil on canvas completed by Zonaro in 1887 and a bronze sculpture, Sir Winston Churchill, created by Sir Jacob Epstein in 1946.  

In addition to the distinguished galleries seen at the fair each year AIFAF will welcome multiple new exhibiters to the 2011 line up.  Among them will be Questroyal Fine Art, New York (USA); Galerie du Post Impressionisme, Paris (France); John Mitchell Fine Paintings, London (UK); and David Webb, New York, (USA).

Among the lecture series highlights for AIFAF 2011 include: “Collecting Vintage Photography”, given by Daile Kaplan of Swann Galleries; “The Norton at 70”, a lecture by the museum’s Chief Curator, Roger Ward, on the history of the Norton Museum of Art and the legacy founder, Ralph Hubbard Norton; A lecture on Chinese Jade by Albert Levy, A.B. Levy Antiques;  “Life’s Evening Hour” a book signing and lecture by John Dugdale, Holden Luntz Gallery; and “Buccellati: Spirit of the Italian Renaissance” by Alberto Milani.

AIFAF has been recognized as one of this country’s premiere art and antiques fair for 15 years.   In 2010, AIFAF introduced a major redesign of the fair which was well received by exhibitors and collectors.   The 2011 fair will continue its tradition of bringing together an exceptional array of fully vetted art, antiques and jewelry exhibitors.           

More fair highlights will be forthcoming. 

We invite you to visit www.aifaf.com  for more information on 2011 exhibitors and updates on programming.

http://www.artpalmbeach.com/blog/

Thank you again, we look forward to hearing from you in the future.

PALM BEACH, FL- October 6, 2010 - International Fine Art Expositions announces the American International Fine Art Fair’s participation in the 70th Anniversary of the Norton Museum of Art. Tuesday, February 8, 2011 is marked to be a day of cultural events not to be missed. With complimentary admission to all events and shuttle buses running between the Palm Beach County Convention Center, location of the 15th annual American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF), and the Norton Museum of Art, it will be a cultivating extravaganza for all art enthusiasts.

“We’re especially pleased to be working with the Norton’s new Director, Hope Alswang; the collaboration of these extraordinary cultural events will make this celebration an unparalleled occasion for regional residents and fair attendees.” said David Lester, founder and organizer of AIFAF.

The Norton Museum is expecting an impressive turnout of distinguished guests to this cultural celebration. The day’s attractions will include a lecture by Chief Curator, Roger Ward, on the history of the Norton Museum of Art and the legacy founder, Ralph Hubbard Norton. The lecture will feature a selection of works from the self-guided exhibition he has created for the occasion, The Essential Seventy, comprising 35 works purchased by Mr. Norton himself, and 35 works acquired after his death in 1953, whether by purchase, gift or bequest. A museum-wide treasure hunt; see original documents and photographs from the Norton’s grand opening in 1941. Also among the day’s events is a “tasty” art competition.  Local pastry chefs will design and display imaginative, Norton-inspired birthday cakes with local “celebrities” serving as judges of their confectionery creations.

“The Norton is pleased to partner with IFAE this season. The opportunity to contribute to the region’s vibrant art scene makes this event particularly important. We all look forward to an exciting show and the chance to see high-quality art presented by some of America’s leading dealers.” said Hope Alswang, CEO and Director, Norton Museum of Art.

Celebrating its 15th year, the American International Fine Art Fair features international dealers representing disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, and the world’s finest collection of haute and period jewelry. The fair is fully vetted by leading museum curators and experts and includes a Vernissage preview party that has been an annual highlight of the Palm Beach social season.  We invite you to visit the fair website http://www.aifaf.com/.

For more information please contact David Lester at Dlester@ifae.com or call +1.239.949.5411

The exhibition, presented by Hammer Galleries, will premiere as the inaugural event for the opening of the gallery’s new location at 475 Park Avenue, New York, before it continues to the American International Fine Art Fair in February, and ending its three month run at TEFAF in Maastricht. Hammer Galleries director, Howard Shaw tells us “We are honored to be able to present this extraordinary collection”. The show will include over 20 paintings, pastels, and drawings, dating between 1885 and 1912.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir was perhaps one of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. A connoisseur of beauty, and especially feminine sensuality, Renoir’s paintings are celebrated for their vivid color and vibrant light, often focusing on subjects in intimate-settings.  In his mature works Renoir returned to classical and timeless subjects, focusing on his immediate family as well as the female nude. T he warm sensuality of Renoir’s style made him an artist whose works are among some of the most well-known in the history of art, sought after by both museums and private collectors throughout the world.

Celebrating its 15th year, the American International Fine Art Fair features international dealers representing disciplines of fine art from classical antiquity to contemporary, and the world’s finest collection of haute and period jewelry. The fair is fully vetted by leading museum curators and experts and includes a Vernissage preview party that has been an annual highlight of the Palm Beach social season. We invite you to visit the fair website http://www.aifaf.com/.

For more information please contact David Lester at Dlester@ifae.com or call +1.239.949.5411