Bonita Springs–Jan 12, 2009: Going against conventional wisdom is nothing new for art entrepreneurs David and Lee Ann Lester. They single-handedly put West Palm Beach on the map as an art market destination when he established his first art fair in a tent in 1997. Since then, no less than five different fairs have popped up in the area, none surpassing the star-power that emanates from his flagship American International Fine Art Fair, which opens on February 4-8 at the West Palm Beach County Convention Center. Top-flight international dealers from eleven countries hope to lure collectors with their extraordinary museum quality fine art, furniture, jewelry, sculpture and antiquities.
“In these dark days, one needs lively characters to galvanize and encourage us,” wrote David Moss, the arts journalist for London’s Antiques Trade Gazette. “Someone has to be optimistic – someone like Florida art entrepreneur David Lester, who looks set to make a big impact on the 2009 international art scene. David Lester is the kind of driven individual the trade need now more than ever.”
“We were pleased to have the opportunity to reacquire this major international fair,” said the Lesters. “It will always be America’s most desirable venue for a first-quality mid-winter international fine art event. Many of the most important collectors in the world have a winter presence in South Florida.”
According to Alan Rubin of Pelham Galleries, the 18th and 19th furniture and decorative arts specialist whose return to Palm Beach after a seven-year hiatus is partly a vote of confidence in David Lester, and partly to expand his client base in the U.S. beyond the traditional bi-coastal slant. “Like many of our colleagues in the art market, we have found that international shows have become an integral and essential part of the business, particularly in these challenging times,” said Rubin. “David Lester, in my view, is one of the most dynamic and innovative players in today’s field of art business development.”
For the majority of dealers, what sets Palm Beach apart from other international art fair destination cities is that it’s a more relaxed environment in which to do business. “What is unique about the fair in Palm Beach is that people are visiting and are on vacation, and often make multiple visits,” said Michael Cohen, of Cohen and Cohen, the London Chinese porcelain dealers. “There is not the pressure to get back to work or rush off to three other events happening on the same evening.”
“We have about 25 clients from South Florida and probably 20 of whom we met at this fair. We feel it is very important to continue with this fair because historically it has been one of our best and we’re sure that it will be again,” said Cohen.
“Palm Beach has represented an important market for us since the first fair we did over a decade ago,” said Michael James of the London and San Francisco-based Silver Fund. “We have forged long term relation-ships since we met them at that time. We see at least one half of our on-going clients each year in Palm Beach.
Edward Schavemaker of Noortman Master Paintings in Maastricht, believes that during these times, it’s very easy to overanalyze. “It comes down to a very simple set of rules: bring quality, believe in what you sell, off the best possible service to a client. It’s also a great time to make new contacts and perhaps buy art ourselves from our colleagues.”
Lester and his wife have been show organizers for twenty years, following fifteen years as gallery owners. They know the market inside and out. “We recognize that we’re in a partnership with our dealers.” said Mrs. Lester. “In order for us to have a successful fair business, our clients must make a profit. If the majority of them are successful then the fair continues.”
The American International Fine Art Fair, located at The Palm Beach Country Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, opens with a Vernissage on Tuesday, February 3. The five-day fair opens to the public on Wednesday, February 4. Hours are Noon to 7 P.M. through February 7 and noon to 6 P.M. on February 8. Ticket prices are as follows: A one day pass including catalogue is $25; a one day companion pass purchased in addition to the single ticket is $15; A multi-day pass (unlimited use), including a catalogue, is $35; multi-day companion pass is $20 (purchased in addition to the single multi-day pass); student tickets (12-18) are $15 and children, under 12, accompanied by an adult are free. Catalogues are $15 each.
For more information, call 239-949-5411 or visit www.aifaf.com
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