PALM BEACH, FL – October 28, 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 is once again recognized by The Art Newspaper as America’s only 5-star art and antique fair.


This year, Pauline Pitt, Mario Buatta, Thomas Quick, and Hilary and Wilbur Ross are co-chairs of the Collectors and Connoisseurs Committee.


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. Among the participating dealers are: Adelson Galleries (New York), Brenske Gallery (Munich), Derek Johns (London), Galerie Cazeau-Beraudiere (Paris), Goedhuis Contemporary (New York), Galerie Terminus (Munich), Hollis Taggart (New York), Imperial Books and Oriental Art (New York), L. Codosero, Galleriea de Arte Antiguo (Madrid), John Mitchell & Sons (London), MacConnal-Mason (London), Moretti Fine Art, Ltd. (Florence, London and New York), Richard Green (London), Royal Athena Galleries (New York), Tai Gallery (Santa Fe), and Wienrroither & Kohlbacher (Vienna).


In addition, the fair offers the largest collection of period and haute couture jewelry found in any U.S. exhibition. Participants include Buccellati, David Morris, Gioia, Graff, Harry Winston, Richters, Sabbadini, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Veronique Bamps.


“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. “This event has progressed greatly since its inception,” says 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 the 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. Among the honorees are three museum directors including John Blades, from The Flagler Museum, Christina Orr-Cahall, from The Norton Museum, and Myra Janco Daniels, from the Naples Museum of Art. 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 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.