As one of the world's largest and most robust art markets, New York City attracts collectors and art enthusiasts from around the world. Capitalizing on the city's international appeal, The Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA) has partnered with hundreds of galleries and major museums to create Art and Antiques Week NYC, which starts on Monday April 25th through Sunday May 1, 2011. At the heart of Art and Antiques Week is the inaugural Spring Show NYC, sponsored by 1stdibs.com, which opens with a benefit preview for the ASPCA on April 27, at the Park Avenue Armory.

"The idea behind Art and Antiques Week NYC is to celebrate the world's greatest cultural center: New York City," said Clinton Howell, President of AADLA and owner of Clinton Howell Antiques on the Upper East Side. "There are more cultural events going on in this city at any given moment than anywhere else in the world."

According to Howell, AADLA has created a website - ArtandAntiquesWeekNYC.com - which will provide comprehensive information on all of the events taking place throughout the city that week. The site will be the central hub for all Art and Antiques Week activities and announcements.

"We are also honored that Michael Bloomberg will issue a proclamation announcing the week's festivities and the debut of Spring Show NYC," said Howell. To celebrate this week-long salute to the arts in New York, AADLA will host a special reception on April 29th, "Arts' Night Out: A Celebration of Art and Antiques Week NYC." Invited guests from virtually every young patron group will be in attendance that night at the Park Avenue Armory.

The event is sponsored by Doyle New York, Antiques and Fine Art Magazine, and ABSOLUT Vodka.

The Spring Show NYC opens with a benefit preview for the ASPCA, at the Park Avenue Armory, Park Avenue and 67th Street, on Wednesday, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM by VIP invitation or $250 at the door. After 7 PM admission is $75 and the preview continues to 9:00 PM. All proceeds from preview tickets go to the ASPCA. 

The show opens to the public on Thursday, April 28. Hours are Thursday, April 28: 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM; Friday, April 29: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday, April 30: 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM; Sunday, May 1: 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM; and Monday, May 2: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General admission is $20 per person; a five-day pass is $40 per person.