After an impressive turnout of more than 1,500 guests at the Opening Night Preview Evening and champagne reception on Thursday, the inaugural Naples Art, Jewelry & Antique Show opened its doors on Friday, February 10 to an enthusiastic crowd of art connoisseurs, private collectors and serious buyers that traveled from all over South Florida to attend the event. Taking place in the 40,000 square-foot Naples Exhibition Center - a luxury, climate-controlled tent - the show features more than 75 international exhibitors showcasing their extraordinary collections including major works of art, antique and estate jewelry, furniture, porcelain, Asian antiquities, American and European silver, glass, textiles, sculpture, contemporary art and more.

There has been a great turnout so far,” said Albert Levy of A.B. Levy Palm Beach. “The guests are showing a lot of interest in my pieces.”

“After two days, there is a lot of traffic and enthusiasm. We have made some sales and have more to come,” said Greg Kwiat of Fred Leighton.

“What a great gate!” added Carol Pier of Naples-based Pier & Co. “I am very happy to be making contacts.”

Tim Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques also commented, “We have had quite a few sales and are very happy with the turnout, facility and guests. The Show is fabulous and we are very impressed.”

Several dealers reported strong sales for the first full show day, including Antediluvian, Arader Galleries, J.S. Fearnley, Eve Stone, Only Authentics, Sherry Sheaf & Co., Fred Leighton and Eostone, among others.

“All we have been hearing from the crowd is how pleased they are that you finally came to Naples,” said Christopher English of Antediluvian.

“There has been a great response to our Charles Martin original artwork and lots of interest in George Nakashima furniture and our Tiffany lamps,” said Arlie Sulka of Lillian Nassau.

Michael Teller of TK Asian Antiquities also commented, “We have met some of the most interesting people we have ever met in 30 years of doing shows. I spent nine hours with one couple and four hours with another couple. These people are knowledgeable and the exchange of conversation and intelligence is unlike any other. Naples has proven itself in interest and intellect.”

The Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show runs Friday, February 10 – Monday, February 13 at the Naples Exhibition Center located at the intersection of 1st Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Road South. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $25 for a 4-day pass. For more information, please call 561.822.5440 or visit www.naplesshow.com.