The 14th Annual San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show (SFAPA) returns to the Fort Mason Center February 5-7, 2010. One of the top Asian Art Shows in North America, the upcoming 2010 show will bring 85 vetted private and international galleries to the Bay City. In recent years the SFAPA has been growing a following of Asian Contemporary galleries and collectors in addition to the existing roster of museum-quality antiques. The SFAPA is a once-a-year opportunity to view collections from private galleries that are predominantly by-appointment-only.

Echoing a trend towards contemporary Asian works the SFAPA is one of the only art fairs that visually demonstrate the roots of modern Asian art and the evolution of art in Asia. Due to the breadth and quality of items on display from Mainland and Pacific Asia, the SFAPA is an ideal opportunity for collectors, art investors, museum and arts professionals to purchase new items on the marketplace, spot trends and evaluate the state to their own collections.

Antique and contemporary Asian pieces continue to fetch respected prices in global auctions.  These arts continue to be solid short/long term investment for the coming year.   In June 2009, Antiques Roadshow appraised an antique collection of Chinese jade for $1 million, their highest appraisal to date. With most experts advising that art collecting is one of the better investments in this recession, novice art investors are interested in purchasing for the first time.  Visitors to the San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show have the opportunity to speak and engage with the most knowledgeable Asian art specialists in the world in a welcoming environment.

The 2010 San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show will feature a special exhibit of brush paintings by celebrated writer and art expert Vichai Chinalai. Inspired by Chinese calligraphy, Heart of the Brush uniquely combines writing and painting and will be on view and available for purchase throughout the duration of the show. The paintings reflect the artist’s Thai-Buddhist background and encompassing interest in Asian philosophy & art.

The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show is an anchor event for Arte Du Monde, a week-long celebration of the cultural arts in San Francisco.  Arte Du Monde will feature educational programming and event for local and visiting cultural arts enthusiasts.  For more information, please visit www.artedumondesf.com.

The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show will host an Opening Night Preview and Benefit for the Asian Art Museum’s Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Arts & Culture.  Taking place Thursday, February 4th, 2010 the Preview is considered a staple on the San Francisco social calendar.   The gala routinely draws collectors, political officials, business executives, socialites, curators, design and arts professionals as well as arts enthusiasts.   A colorful and entertaining evening, the preview features lively music, dancers and is catered by Dan McCall & Associates. 

General admission for The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show is $15 per person.  The show is open to the public Friday February 5, from 11:00am-7:00pm; Saturday, February 6, from 11:00am – 7:00pm; and Sunday, February 7 from 11:00am-5:00pm. There will be no admittance after 4:30pm on Sunday. There is a special Opening Night Preview to benefit the Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center on Thursday, February 4 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Preview Night Tickets are $85 for Asian Art Museum members and $115 for non-members.  Please call  (415) 581-3788 or email apa@asianart.org to purchase for the opening night benefit preview.

The Arts of Pacific Asia Show is held at the Festival Pavilion at the Fort Mason Center, which is located at the intersection of Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard in the Marina District of San Francisco.  For additional information, the public should call (310) 455-2886, or visit www.caskeylees.com.

For press information contact Agnes Gomes-Koizumi AGK Media Group at (323) 937-5488 or agnes@agkmedia.com.

About Caskey Lees Inc.

Since 1985 California based Caskey Lees Inc. has produced high-end vetted antiques and fine arts shows. The production team of Bill Caskey and Elizabeth Lees is widely recognized for refining and expanding the art & antique shows to a new level in this country. Caskey Lees Inc. produces six shows annually; three in New York City, one in Los Angeles and two in San Francisco.  For additional information about upcoming shows please visit www.caskeylees.com.

About the Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian Art, with a collection of over 17,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum is a public institution whose mission is to lead a diverse global audience in discovering the unique material, aesthetic, and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.