AVENUE Shows’ Antiques and Art at the Armory (www.avenueshows.com) concluded successfully on Sunday, March 13 with both dealers and visitors thrilled by the exciting mix of goods, prices, innovative display and increased attendance. The inaugural Spring AVENUE Show at the Park Avenue Armory delivered over 6,000 attendees during the 4-day show. The opening night VIP preview saw more than 1,500 guests.

The show kicked off in style with a glittering private VIP preview and a cocktail reception for renowned interior designer Mario Buatta who was feted by friends and colleagues for his fiftieth anniversary in the design world. The New York School of Interior Design also honored Mr. Buatta by renaming their materials library the Mario Buatta Atelier. Among those attending the event were: Anne Eisenhower, Mica Ertegun, Albert Hadley, Jamee Gregory, Jerry Lauren, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Bunny Williams, Aileen Mehle, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Lord Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Churchill and noted designers Campion Platt, Ellie Cullman, Richard Mishaan and Todd Romano.

Both the show management and the dealers were thrilled with the steady stream of quality visitors who came to the show.  Many dealers saw both established customers and met many new ones. Sales were strong through all categories, including significant purchases in jewelry, silver, fine art, furniture and objet. 

Said Barbara Goodwin, Show Director, The AVENUE Shows: “We are thrilled to add a second AVENUE at the Armory Show to our schedule and very encouraged by the success of this first Spring event.”  

Dealers were also pleased with the quality of the audience attending the show.

Said Guy Regal of Newel, LLC: “At one point there was $15-20 billion dollars worth of clients on the floor.  Someone of note was on the floor at all times.”

Said Gavin Spanierman of Gavin Spanierman, ltd: "The Show provided a great opportunity to reconnect with a lot of great old clients, and meet a lot of people who have the potential of becoming great old clients"

Sales highlights include:

Cavalier Galleries, Inc.: Jim Rennert sculpture, Walking the Tightrope

FraMont: Jean Dufy painting, Bouquet of Lilacs

Lobel Modern: A pair of Ward Bennett sled chairs

Michael Pashby: A Gillows hollow-oak writing table 

Ophir Gallery: Extremely rare Tiffany Favrile “Aquamarine Fish Bowl” paperweight

Guy Regal: An important pair of Venetian mirrored sconces

Rumi Galleries:  Robert Goodnough painting, Uplift H

The Silver Fund: silver pieces by Georg Jensen and Jean Puiforcat, Cartier objects and an important Jean Dunand vase

Gavin Spanierman, ltd:  Jean Dufy painting, Les Clowns Musiciens and Samantha Keely Smith, Herald, 2010

In addition, the show featured daily breakfast panel discussions and lectures that were all sold -out  including “The Influences of Mario Buatta” moderated by Judith Gura, Professor, Design History Area Coordinator at New York School of Interior Design and included Mr. Buatta,  Susanna Salk and Todd Romano among others.

The next show will take place at the Armory from September 21-25, 2011.

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