After a fantastic turnout at the Opening Night Preview Evening, the 9th Annual Palm Beach Jewelry, Art and Antique Show opened its doors on Saturday, February 18 to thousands of enthusiastic art connoisseurs, private collectors and serious buyers. The show, which is held annually over Presidents’ Day Weekend at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, features more than 180 international exhibitors showcasing their extraordinary collections of fine art, antique and estate jewelry, silver, sculpture, porcelain, Asian art and more, ranging in date from the antiquities to the 20th century.

“It felt like the largest crowd for an opening night,” said Charles Puckett of Charles Edwin Puckett.

Paul Vandekar of Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge sold a Victorian bamboo table and a Beverley Morris 1855 painting. “The evening was packed and filled with interesting people,” said Vandekar.

“It was a great crowd, they were extremely educated in what they were looking for,” said Nick Boston from Nick & Martine Boston Antiques. “We are really happy to be back exhibiting.”

Tim Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques sold a couple pieces opening night including an 1821 watercolor rose painting. “It was really nice group of people who came out for the evening,” said Stevenson.

Several dealers reported strong sales for the first full show day, including Hyland Granby Antiques, Ashley John Gallery, Sallea Antiques, Fred Leighton, Danish Silver, among many others. 

Hyland Granby sold a major American marine painting by James E. Buttersworth titled America’s Cup: Sappho, it was new world record for the artist. Referring to the evening, Alan Granby said, “It was a great evening with a nice energy.”

Ashley John Gallery sold a Vaclav Vytlacil piece, oil on paper 36 x 24.

Sallea Anitques sold an important 1800s Tortoise Shell box with interior designed for a sewing kit. They also sold quite a few Chinese Imari porcelain pieces.

Danish Silver sold an important 1919 vintage silver piece.

With an asking price of $250,000, Michael Goedhuis Gallery sold a Liu Dan, contemporary Chinese ink painting. 

Audrey Gruss, founder of Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), hosted the first inaugural “Hope Art-of-Design Weekend” to celebrate its supporters through the event. A special champagne reception was held to meet nationally acclaimed interior designers who showcased a special room filled with more than 180 pieces used from exhibitors at the show. The designers featured were Jim Aman & John Meeks, Bruce Bierman, Geoffrey Bradfield, Campion Platt and nationally-acclaimed AD 100 interior designer Scott Snyder.

“All the supporters I spoke to were delighted to walk through the designer showcase. It was a wonderful way for them to see how art and antiques from the show work in today’s real lifestyles.” said Gruss, founder of HDRF. ” “We at HDRF were so pleased to partner with such an exciting, successful event. After all, the show is about creativity and beauty, and it’s wonderful to see how it can enhance your life.”

Scott Diament, president and CEO of The Palm Beach Show Group, invited HDRF to be the charity sponsor to offer interesting ways to explore art and design at the show. 

“Audrey Gruss is the most dynamic and energetic woman who has founded a wonderful organization HDRF,” said Diament. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Mrs. Gruss and the organization for our tenth anniversary next year.”

Further enhancing the show, were daily educational lecture series that featured topics such as Glamorous Timepieces by Edward Faber of Aaron Faber Gallery and Collecting Faberge Today by John Atzbach of John Atzbach Antiques. 

“I think this show is beautifully orchestrated, well-run, and very professional. I am delighted to be here,” said Michael Goedhuis of Michael Goedhuis Gallery.

The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show runs Sunday, February 19 – Tuesday, February 21 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Hours are Sunday – Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 daily. For more information, please call 561.822.5440 or visit www.palmbeachshow.com.