(PRESS RELEASE) PALM BEACH, FL — In true celebratory fashion, the 20th Annual Palm Beach Show returned to the Palm Beach County Convention Center with a triumphant showcase kicking off with a remarkable VIP Opening Night Preview Party. Overwhelmed by the palpable energy, flowing champagne and robust crowds, the Show undoubtedly premiered once again as THE most important event of its kind not only in Palm Beach County but in the United States.
Produced by the Palm Beach Show Group, The Palm Beach Show drew to a close on Tuesday, February 21st after six days of extraordinary consistent attendance and remarkable sales. The fair hosted over 140+ of the finest and most diverse group of international exhibitors representing over 20 countries. The 2023 Show offered aisle after aisle of extraordinary collections with a perfect mix of Asian antiquities, estate jewelry, silver, prints, contemporary and classical art, and much more.
Immediately upon entering, the Show wowed patrons with the Immersive Entrance Exhibition designed by sculptor Gino Miles (b. 1952). The monumentally sized fabricated stainless steel and bronze visual titled “Arches” was one of many of his works included at the main entrance. The space was designed to depict a fully outfitted Santa Fe inspired experience.
The VIP Opening Night Preview sponsored by Palm Beach Illustrated & Florida Design Magazine welcomed over 4,000 enthusiastic collectors to the opening of the highly anticipated art, antique & jewelry event of the season. Prominent collectors and well-known Palm Beach social pillars were in attendance including:
- Bruce and Robbie Toll
- Kim Bondy and Neena Puri
- Joe Pacetti, Cassandra Cass, Mark David
- Michael Ridgedill & Margaret Wilesmith
- Virginia and John Gildea
- Robert Kiger and Betsy Van Dyke
- Noele Wein and Linda Edelson
- William and Mary Katherine Walde
- Donald and Renee Scott
- Lorre Erlick and Bahya Murad
Click here to view select images from opening night.
Crowds gathered around Galerie Gmurzynska’s booth on Thursday’s VIP Opening Night for a presentation by Prince Hussain Aga Khan who discussed his series “The Living Sea”. The series is comprised of works from numerous photographic deep-sea expeditions, spanning a multitude of marine species exhibited for an exclusive charitable benefit of Focused on Nature (FON), a charity based in Geneva and founded in 2013 by Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Nazir Sunderji, and dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity.
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As one can expect, The Palm Beach Show draws patrons of all kinds from the novice to the seasoned collector, designers, museum curators, art advisors and even well-known celebrities. Palm Beach County is home to numerous public figures including Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee Ocleppo and David Yurman amongst many other who all attended this year’s show.
The Palm Beach Show once again celebrated a “Day of Design” on Saturday, February 18, 2023 sponsored by Florida Design Magazine. The Show presented a dedicated day honoring interior designers and decorators with special curated programing, booth presentations, style spotters and panel discussions. Leading interior designers shopped the show bringing their knowledge and expertise to clients and attendees throughout the weekend.
Most notably, Saturday’s Day of Design welcomed Florida Design Magazine Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos, who moderated a panel discussion titled “The Artful Interior: Acquiring, Curating, and Designing with Art” featuring designers, Gil Walsh, Susan Lachance and Allison Paladino.
In addition to the panel discussion, Florida Design Magazine’s Editor in Chief Luis Rigual and Editorial Director, Daphne Nikolopoulos shopped the show as “Style Spotters” and choose their selection of top 30 highlighted items from numerous exhibitors across a variety of categories including Callaghan’s of Shrewsbury, Lauren Pilla Art, Yafa Signed Jewels, Boccara, Takat, Gino Miles and many more.
Collectors, museum curators, art connoisseurs, designers and exhibitors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to once again be in a show setting. A confirmation that in-person fairs provide an atmosphere that cannot be recreated or replaced by online platforms– proving the vital importance of these events for the industry.
Scott Diament, President & CEO of the Palm Beach Show Group beamed with pride from the moment the Show build began. When asked for his comments on the 20th Anniversary, he remarked:
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“The Palm Beach Show Group takes great pride in being able to present The Palm Beach Show uninterrupted for 20 consecutive years. As the largest and most important show of its kind in the United States, The Palm Beach Show could have only been built to this magnitude due to our incredible collective community. A show of this enormous breadth and depth presents challenges from inception through presentation and dismantling and requires the coordinated effort from a vast number of people. We would like to express our gratitude by congratulating everyone involved in making The Palm Beach Show a success.”
Numerous new first-time exhibitors showcased at the 2023 Palm Beach Show, presenting a true cross-selection of items spanning many genres and eras putting collectors directly in front of the most special and unique items. Some notable new exhibitors included:
- Alex Rieunier Jewels
- Amrapali London
- Berganza LTD.
- CICADA
- Darnley Fine Art
- Evey Fine Art
- Galerie Blackwell
- Green River Fossil Company
- Gross McCleaf Gallery
- John Mitchell Fine Paintings
- Robert Fontaine Gallery
- Roman Malakov Diamonds
- Simon Mills Fine Art
- The Boutique by Heritage
For those who were unable to visit the fair in-person, producers supplemented the traditional fair with an online 3D virtual exploration of the Show.
Click here to view the virtual tour of the 2023 Palm Beach Show.
The positive energy was reflected in the sales that were consistently generating on the show floor, with exhibitors reporting excellent quality of visitors and constant activity and sales.
- The heavily promoted Portrait of Master Semon with a Spaniel on offer by Lawrence Steigrad Fine Arts was purchased by a collector as a donation to The Gross Family Center for the Study of Antisemitism and the Holocaust.
- Doug Miller of Green River Fossil Company was complimentary of the Palm Beach Show Group staff and the Team’s efforts from set-up to promotion. Their stand was featured in the news on WPTV & WPBF ultimately assisting with the sale of two notable fossils.
- French based exhibitor, Alex RIEUNIER Jewels presented estate and vintage pieces in booth 1019. Their stand received overwhelming compliments showing a collection of antique tiaras, one of which sold while in Palm Beach.
- Glen Leroux Gallery sold well across the board. Items included Original Frances Elkins Loop chairs, Brueton for pace console, Miro signed and Dated Litho, and jewelry.
- Carousel Fine Art confirmed three significant sales including:
- Two pieces by Cuban Artist, Eric Alfaro titled The Aquarium & Sakura Branches
- Third piece is by Dutch Artist, Caroline Dechamby titled Happy
- Steidel Gallery had numerous interest in artist Debra Steidel and sold a DIDEM YAĞCI piece titled Klein Blue priced at $14,000 as well as a Jim Keller polished bronze sculpture titled Opus listed for $17,000.
- Waterhouse & Dodd concluded their show doing quite well with sales of both Contemporary and historical works of art. Artwork included oil paintings by Pierre Bonnard and Martin-Ferrieres, three Hyperphotos by Jean-Francois Rauzier, a diptych by Danielle Frankenthal and a video by Gregory Scott.
Hear what the exhibitors of the 2023 Palm Beach Show had to say about the event:
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Bill Rau of M.S. Rau commented, “With the steady and well-qualified traffic at the Palm Beach Show, we were able to share our extensive collection of fine art, antique furniture, and one-of-a-kind jewels with clients both old and new. We made wonderful connections made and sales of works by Van Gogh, Chagall, Warhol, and many others– the show’s momentum will certainly help us continue building relationships with the vibrant art-collecting community at Palm Beach.
“The Steidel Gallery, with both our fine art and contemporary brands, enjoyed another successful year at the forefront of the Contemporary Focus section at the Palm Beach Show. It is fascinating to see how the Palm Beach Show, which has to be regarded as the most important fair of the Florida art season, continues to evolve to meet the demands and refined taste of our clients. With its electric mix of exhibitors and luxurious objects on display, the Palm Beach Show brings the quality and ambiance of TEFAF to the South Florida audience. We were very proud to be part of this year’s 20th anniversary and look forward to the next 20 years!” – Maxwell Chapman, Director of Steidel Fine Art and Steidel Contemporary
On behalf of Silver Art by D & R, Jasmine Doussiere remarked, “The Palm Beach Show was positive for Silver Art By D & R. We met new clients and were favorably impressed with the interest in Antique French Silver that were encountered. We also were able to reconnect with clients from other cities spending part of the winter in Palm Beach. The show itself was lovely, with nice displays all around. All in all it was a positive experience and we will be back.”
“The show was produced again, with a second to none, sense of class and quality. I have had productive years here since 2020, stated J Ruel Martin, “I have sold several large very high-end hollow formed wooden vessels, as well as many more in medium to smaller sizes. Past patrons were very pleased that I was here again, and many saw my work for the first time. I sold to several previous collectors and made sales to first time buyers as well.”
Jeffrey Behan, Owner of Premier Rare Coins, a first-time exhibitor gave accolades to producers:
“The 2023 Palm Beach Show exceeded my expectations in every way. As a vendor of rare coins and numismatic items, I wasn’t sure how well our booth would do, but from the moment VIP night began, we were inundated with interest from a steady stream of enthusiastic attendees. Even as the days went on, our booth remained busy with at least a dozen people around it at all times, asking questions and admiring our selection of rare collectibles, including shipwreck pieces and necklaces. I have to give credit to the Palm Beach Show team, who did an incredible job of promoting the event and drawing in a diverse crowd of interested buyers and collectors. The outreach efforts clearly paid off.”
“This show was upbeat with numerous patrons including both returning customer and new clients. We noticed a renewed interest in yellow gold jewelry from our collection. This year’s showcase was superior. It will be hard to beat,” stated Gus Davis of Camilla Dietz Bergeron
The Palm Beach Show is scheduled to return to the Palm Beach Convention Center over Presidents’ Day weekend, February 15 – 20, 2024.
For more information or to apply to exhibit, visit here.