Throughout the show, guests enjoyed refreshments from show sponsors Veuve Clicquot, Whispering Angel and Golden Goat Caviar.
Review & Onsite Photos By Carly Timpson
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — As has been tradition for the past 21 years, dealers, collectors and those who simply enjoy a taste of life’s finer offerings flocked to the Palm Beach County Convention Center over Presidents’ Day weekend (February 15-20) to indulge in The Palm Beach Show’s more than 130 booths of jewelry, art, antiques and design. Kicking off the luxurious event on February 15 was the show’s Opening Night Preview Party, which invited VIPs and collectors to have an exclusive look at the booths and enjoy refreshments from show sponsors Veuve Clicquot, Whispering Angel Wine and Golden Goat Caviar.
At the close of the show, Scott Diament, president and chief executive officer of the Palm Beach Show Group, reported, “The tremendous success of this year’s Palm Beach Show has truly exceeded our expectations, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the unparalleled quality of our exhibitors, and the unwavering support of our attendees. We are deeply grateful for the vibrant community that has grown around this event. Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement for future installments of the Palm Beach Show. We promise to return better than ever, continually elevating the experience and ensuring that each year is more impressive than the last. Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast, as we aim to inspire and delight our audience with the beauty and diversity of the art world.”
As visitors navigated the halls, they experienced immersive installations beyond the carefully arranged exhibitor booths. Featured were an entrance installation designed by Callaghan’s of Shrewsbury and “Funny Birds’ Secret Garden,” a large-scale installation of Venetian artist Anna Paola Cibin’s glass works. Displaying a collection of sculpted bronze animals and paintings coordinated to reflect the landscapes of Antarctica and native forests, the entrance exhibition designed by Callaghan’s welcomed visitors to the show and set the scene for the level of sophistication inside.
Venetian artist Anna Paola Cibin smiles with concept sketches and glass figures from her installation “The Funny Birds’ Secret Garden.”
Presented for the first time, “Funny Birds” included 46 Murano glass birds, inspired by the birds of the Venice lagoon, situated throughout a white wooden aviary, which included chairs for visitors to rest and refresh. Next to the aviary installation, Cibin’s booth showcased her artistic process and the development of the installation. Cibin said, “This year, in addition to presenting tapestries and a large silk velvet installation, I created almost an artist’s atelier in my stand, with sketches of my Murano glass sculptures — it is the story of the research I carry out every time I create a new artwork.” According to Cibin, “visitors were enthusiastic and enchanted… walking inside the aviary they felt happy because they found that these birds, in addition to being funny, all had happy expressions. I believe that today more than ever, art should bring a moment of lightness and happiness.”
Of the more than 130 exhibitors at the show, we made sure to catch up with some of the newcomers. One such first-timer was the Monaco-based gallery Maison d’Art, which specializes in Old Masters as well as modern and contemporary art. Prominently displayed on the red walls of the booth, in stunning contrast, were vibrant oil and gold leaf floral paintings by Carlos Rolón, all-white hand-cut paper designs by Sachin George Sebastian and a handful of varying Old Master paintings. Also featured in the gallery, and receiving interest from Florida Design publisher Terry Duffy and editorial director Daphne Nikolopoulos, was one of Pablo Armesto’s experimental fiber-optic light sculptures. Following the show, Alessia Corsini remarked, “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and connect with new clients during the fair. Additionally, The Palm Beach Show provided us with the chance to discover and connect with other galleries, further enriching our experience.”
Frascione Gallery, Florence, Italy, presented Old Masters alongside contemporary works. Far left: “Saint Sebastian” by Louis Finson (circa 1607), and center: “Apollo” by Fabio Viale (2023). Photo courtesy Frascione Gallery.
This year also marked Frascione Gallery’s debut at The Palm Beach Show, which coincided with the Florentine Old Master specialists’ opening of a United States gallery, located in Palm Beach. Fourth-generation owner of the gallery, Federico Gandolfi Vannini shared that their space was set apart due to the quality, selection and curation of art presented. In addition, “The provenance, the quality and the condition of the artwork are key. Everything has to be top-notch. By exhibiting Old Masters alongside Modern and contemporary art, art connoisseurs of today can witness the dialogues between each work although centuries apart…We are proud to have brought some pieces that have never been shown in the United States and that are of museum quality. Some came from private collections, crossed the ocean and were exhibited for the first time at an art show.” One piece that Frascione Gallery was delighted to share with collectors at The Palm Beach Show was Amedeo Modigliani’s “L’Écolier (The Pupil)” (1919). Vannini remarked, “[it] generated a lot of interest because it’s a rare piece that came from a private collection. The subject of the painting was the son of Modigliani’s neighbor. Hollywood’s Golden Age actress, Hedy Lamarr, and film director and actor, Vittorio De Sica, are listed in the painting’s provenance.”
While New York area artist Melissa Pashalian has been attending The Palm Beach Show for several years as a designer with her family’s jewelry business, this was her first year branching out and having her own booth. Creating under the moniker Pash, she uses gouache on canvas to create vibrant works that add a touch of surrealism to blend her passions for gemstones and art. During the opening night preview party, Pashalian was busy at work, putting the finishing touches on a monarch butterfly surrounded by many varying-sized diamonds. Already on display in her booth were larger illustrations featuring characters and scenes from Disney’s 1951 Alice in Wonderland and other works with bold-colored imagery contrasted with black and white checkerboard design backgrounds.
Victoria Kovalenchikova poses with two pieces from her “The World” series. In the booth alongside her own artworks were dazzling fiberglass sculptures by Sergi Zader (Ukranian, b 1962). VK Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Another artist delighted to be at the show was newcomer Victoria Kovalenchikova, owner of Amsterdam’s VK Gallery. Kovalenchikova’s abstract mixed media and oil on canvas worlds were on display in her booth alongside Swarovski-bejeweled fiberglass animals created by Michigan-based Ukrainian sculptor Sergi Zader. On night one of the show, Kovalenchikova told us that she was already loving the atmosphere, remarking that The Palm Beach Show, while large in scale, had “cozy and nostalgic vibes” that helped her settle right in. In addition, she shared that the tradition and history of The Palm Beach Show were important to her, as was the fashionable nature of the show.
The gallery exhibit of Saville Studios (Atlanta, Ga.) featured large abstract paintings of female forms by Kate Saville. While this was Saville’s first Palm Beach Show, she is hopeful it won’t be her last. During the opening night preview alone, Saville had made multiple sales, established promising connections and was ready to refresh her display for day two, prophesizing, “It’s going to be an amazing show!”
After 15 years of exhibiting at the show, Cavalier Galleries (Greenwich, Conn.) knows how to make an impact! The gallery’s main booth included works by Diego Rivera, Wolf Kahn, Paul Oxborough, Jack Saylor and Adam Umbach, in addition to small form sculptures on pedestals throughout the gallery. This year, Cavalier Galleries debuted a second booth aptly labeled their “sculpture garden.” Featured artist Jim Rennert, best known for his large bronze sculptures, which can be seen around New York City and Austin, Texas, took some time to speak with us during the show. This year marked his 12th Palm Beach Show and he was especially chuffed for the Cavalier Galleries sculpture garden to display his 6-foot-tall “It Happens” — a suited male figure posed to be looking at the bottom of its shoe. In addition to Rennert, the sculpture garden booth also featured works by Joy Brown, George Rickey, Jane DeDecker and a collection of iconic “Hippo Ballerina” figures by Bjørn Okholm Skaarup. One of the large Joy Brown figural sculptures, “Sitter,” greeted guests to the show as it sat beside the red carpet of the show’s North Entrance.
Eric Greenberg, “Ayay,” with his 6-foot-tall “Triangle Tree (Tree of Life).” EG Gallery, Miami Beach, Fla.
Eric Greenberg, also known as “Ayay,” is a Miami, Fla., artist who creates abstract stainless steel sculptures with the help of PrototypeNY and Alchemy Paintworks, the team that works with Jeff Koons. Displayed in Greenberg’s EG Gallery were both his study paintings and the finished sculptures. Greenberg shared with us that his artistic message has everything to do with love and making people happy. Many of his works, including “The PIL” (peace / infinity / love) hold these ideals.
Just across from EG Gallery was the booth of Daniels Antiques, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Owner Jonathan Daniels was showcasing an assortment of antiques, including French industrial clocks, Black Forest carvings, assorted silvers, restored World War II binoculars and transportation models.
Justin Westbrook, of Richmond, Va., Justin Westbrook Antiques, told us that he had been chasing down a Nineteenth Century faux malachite English center table with a writing slope for the past three years. Finally having it in his collection, he brought it to Palm Beach. Then, within the first 30 minutes of the opening night preview party, the octagonal table was sold. Other draws to his booth were a whole-room Eighteenth Century paneled wainscot and mantel from the Eastern shore of North Carolina and a midcentury Italian blown glass chandelier. Westbrook commented, “Sales were a little down from last year but we were happy with this year. The best part about The Palm Beach Show is the connections you make with new clients who wouldn’t know about you if it were not for the show.”
This faux malachite table was snatched up within the first 30 minutes of the opening night preview. Justin Westbrook Antiques, Richmond, Va.
Greg Pepin of Greg Pepin Silver, Hellerup, Denmark, expressed, “The show’s appeal lies in its diverse clientele and high-caliber exhibitors. Palm Beach offers great weather and a lovely atmosphere. Even if you don’t make a purchase, you’ll leave with more knowledge about antiques and history.” In his booth, a shining silver tablescape was the highlight while additional cases lined the walls. The table, thoughtfully decorated by Pepin’s wife, included Georg Jensen Danish silver dinnerware, serveware, candelabras, glassware and more. The central piece on the table was the “Kings Bowl,” an exceptionally large serving bowl designed by Johan Rohde for King Gustav V of Sweden in 1917. For Pepin, “a standout moment was connecting with a previous customer, emphasizing the significance of relationships in the antiques business.” Pepin was also pleased to share that a complete 1919 Georg Jensen Blossom/Magnolia silverware set for 12 was an especially notable sale.
Sebastián Deyá Gallery (New York and London) strayed slightly from their typical show of Old Masters and Nineteenth Century artworks to present a large-scale four-canvas work by Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada. Though the more expected works were on display, Takada’s “Ode to the Four Seasons” took up an entire wall and certainly brought the “wow factor” Deyá was hoping for, as many visitors who may not be interested in antiquities stopped into the booth to get a closer look at the four eye-catching women.
For those interested in Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, the booth of Leighton Fine Art, Marlow, U.K., was a can’t-miss. Among many museum-quality European works, one work by French painter Maximilien Luce stood out to Nick Leighton as being emblematic of the gallery’s offerings. Dated 1895, Luce’s “Le Jardin du Ranelagh” seems to capture the movement from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism as colors begin to shift and figures shift into more abstract forms.
The booth of Gladwell & Patterson, London, was designed to resemble rooms in a real home.
One of the show’s longest-standing exhibitors, the London-based gallery, Gladwell & Patterson, returned for its 21st year. “Our focus this year was for our booth to create a space of inspiration and drive a passion for collecting. Art is often considered last in the design of a room or home and it is our goal to change that by using a beautiful work of art as the starting point in thinking about design. Art does, after all, give us much pleasure and that can only be enhanced by making sure that it is displayed to the best effect. We hope that our booth, designed to mirror people’s homes, has inspired clients and their collecting journey,” shared gallery director Emily Campin.
Specializing in “bespoke wearable art pieces such as watches and bracelets” handcrafted in Paris using precious and exotic materials, Qannati Objet d’Art proudly claims that every piece they create is a “masterpiece that tells the story of the wearer.” As the company returned to The Palm Beach Show for a second year, they presented its new Legacy Collection. Mahmood Qannati, chief executive officer and founder, characterized the collection as “a new bracelet model that is so simple yet most sentimental. For the piece to come to life, the client provides an heirloom like a family gemstone, chooses a background like diamonds or mother-of-pearl, and then we handcraft it under a sapphire glass dome.” Qannati celebrated the strength of Palm Beach, saying, “Attendees appreciate art and unique works of art. They are educated buyers. We love the level of conversations we have that not only give us confidence in our products, but also give us the right insights into the market and how to improve our work.” In addition to making connections with buyers, Qannati also celebrated signing a US distributorship agreement with another exhibitor he met at the show.
Isaac Levy, founder of the Israeli jewelry brand Yvel, told us, “This timing at the start of the new year provides a perfect backdrop for a fine art show, offering an opportunity to showcase the very best Yvel has to bring to the world. Our fresh, new and exciting designs are unveiled, sharing the thrill with our collectors the moment they lay eyes on the new collection.” In addition to a new collection celebrating the company’s 40 years in business, their booth at The Palm Beach Show also showcased an unusual collection of pearls. Levy explained, “The pandemic had purified the water, altering the pearls’ colors from light to dark pink and purple and enhancing their luster — an unprecedented phenomenon. Moreover, these pearls had grown unusually large because they remained in the oysters for an additional three years, as [the farmer] lacked the assistance to harvest them. Thus, these pearls have become some of the rarest in the world in terms of color, luster and size. Fortuitously, I became the first to discover them and secured the entire harvest, making Yvel the exclusive jeweler to offer this once-in-a-lifetime pearl jewelry that we named ‘Purple Orchid.’” Coordinated in the display alongside the “Purple Orchid” pearls were various other pieces with purple and pink gemstones.
A display case featuring the “Purple Orchid” pearl series from Yvel. Palm Beach, Fla., and Jerusalem, Israel.
Attending the show for its second year was Rosior, Porto, Portugal. This year, the family-run jewelers were pleased to present a few pieces for the first time: a long chain necklace with “some thousands of gemstones” and two earrings, including one made of yellow gold with pink sapphires, rubies and black ceramic, paying homage to the Portuguese tiling technique known as “azulejo.” José Rosas said, “The show is always the perfect opportunity to meet long-time friends and make new ones — and to do business, of course! We sold several pieces of all kinds, and we found out that the multi-color natural gemstone pieces were the ones customers were searching for in our collection.” Exemplifying the company’s excellence and craftsmanship, José Rosas steered our attention to a clutch made by Rosior’s founder, José Manuel Rosas. The bag was created with 105.8 grams of 19.2K gold, 642 grams of sterling silver and is completely covered by 4,732 stones for a total gemstone weight of more than 420 carats.
While the show focuses on art, jewelry, antiques and design, some exhibitors made a place for themselves outside of those parameters. Traum Safe, based out of New York City, was conveniently located across the aisle from Yafa Signed Jewels (NYC). On display in Traum’s booth were multiple bespoke safes, designed to organize and protect valuables. While it is unlikely that a guest at the show would be walking away with a safe, Traum owner Sheela Murthy shared that The Palm Beach Show is a great place to meet clients and discuss options for security and safekeeping, especially as they may be buying high-end goods at the show. The networking opportunities at a show like Palm Beach are endless!
Alongside fossils, crystals and other archeological finds, a 50,000-year-old woolly mammoth hind leg anchored the booth of Stone Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
One of the most unique galleries at The Palm Beach Show has to be Stone Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. While Stone does technically deal with antiquities, their offerings are quite different from what one may expect to find at a show like this. Some of the pieces Stone Gallery had available for their first time exhibiting at Palm Beach — like the 11½-foot-long fossil of a pregnant ichthyosaur — were hundreds of millions of years old. Other notable items included the 50,000-year-old hind leg of a male Wooly Mammoth, which was nearly 8 feet tall; a more than 130-pound piece of polished malachite from Congo-Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo); and several examples of lunar meteorite. Founder Roy Masin was proud to present a display of “some of the finest geological specimens on the planet.” The gallery’s booth, designed by Nathalie Petersen of Brazza Interiors, featured quotes about nature and natural formations on its blue and brown walls.
Numismatists and collectors of precious metals were pleased to visit the booth of Premier Rare Coins, West Palm Beach, Fla. In their second year exhibiting at the show, Premier Rare Coins was the only stand dedicated to rare coins and money. Owner Jeffrey Behan shared that The Palm Beach Show is the only non-coin show that his company attends, but it brings in a great local crowd and helps to make lasting connections. Giving us a history lesson, Behan identified one coin as being recovered from the wreckage of the Spanish 1715 Treasure Fleet, which sank off the coast of Florida, now known as the Treasure Coast. Behan noted that the coin, a “1711 Mexican 8 Escudo featuring Philip V and the distinctive bar end cross, is a remarkable piece of numismatic history and a prized asset for any collector or exhibition.”
Ling Ju, chief executive officer and director of 917 Fine Arts Corp, Miami, Fla., left us with this final thought, “Pieces brought in and displayed at the show made the Palm Beach County Convention Center a temporary fine art museum, and the memories of beauty are not to fade thanks to the exhibitors’ hard work and professionalism.”
The Palm Beach Show is scheduled to return to the Palm Beach Convention Center next year over Presidents’ Day weekend, February 13-18. For information, www.palmbeachshow.com or 561-822-5440.
