“This was an exceptional fair with exceptional attendance,” said Edward Neustadter, Sandra Neustadter Gallery. “Fairgoers showed a great response to the artwork, which covered all the bases from modern masters to contemporary art. Our sales were outstanding and far beyond our expectations.”

An estimated crowd of approximately 20,000 people attended APB, including a single-day venue record 6,000 during the fair’s opening preview night Thursday, which marked the largest art opening for any contemporary fair in Palm Beach history. Exhibitors were pleased by not only the numbers, but the quality of the fairgoers.

“Art Palm Beach had phenomenal attendance with the right people turning out,” said Gregg Shienbaum, Verve Gallery. “Many collectors sought to acquire established, blue chip artwork.”

“The fair attracted bona-fide, experienced collectors as well as new collectors,” said Kurt Nelson, Palette Contemporary. This broad range of collectors attending was a trend noted by many galleries. “It was exciting to see so many new collectors make purchases,” said Corey Hampson, Habatat Michigan.

Strong sales were reported by a number of dealers, with others expecting new relationships developed at Art Palm Beach to lead to purchases in the coming days.

Fairgoers streamed in daily to find an extensive array of artwork by modern masters, contemporary artists, noted photographers, prestigious sculptors and renowned glass artists at APB, with over 70 U.S. and international galleries exhibiting.

Highlights included the innovative, jungle-like installation “Risk” by Colombian conceptual artist Federico Uribe, a rare original drawing from Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “Surrounded Islands,” and a book-signing and special exhibition by iconic fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

An innovative and enlightening lecture series was well-attended throughout the fair and led to sales for featured subjects. Among the presentations were a panel discussion on Chinese Ink Art moderated and sponsored by Michael Goedhuis, Goedhuis Contemporary and lectures featuring artists such as Howard Ben Tré, Lino Tagliapietra and Kadir Lopez. The series also included distinguished curators and experts in the art world.

Fairgoers experienced enhanced food service options at APB this year. Two upscale restaurants along with sushi, VIP and espresso bars created an inviting environment for attendees.

Art Palm Beach also participated in the spirit of cultural philanthropy through “APB Shares,” a program through which daily proceeds from ticket and food sales at the fair are donated to four local community arts organizations: the Young Friends of the Norton, the Four Arts Contemporaries, the Armory Art Center and the Mordes Family Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. APB also partnered with the Young Friends of the Norton and the Four Arts Contemporaries for the special preview night January 14.

“Coming on the heels of the successful debut of the Miami International Art Fair (MIA) the week before, the success of the revitalized Art Palm Beach continues to show interest in the art market is strong,” said David Lester. “We are very pleased our return to APB was so well-received by dealers and the community.”

“This year’s Art Palm Beach ushered in a new positive mood and energy,” said Tamar Erdberg, Adamar Fine Arts.“That energy will only continue to grow.”

About IFAE

David and Lee Ann Lester, founders of International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) have been the pioneers of the Florida art fair market, establishing Art Miami in January, 1991, The Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair (now AIFAF) in 1997, and Art Palm Beach in 1998. They have organized more than 65 international art fairs worldwide in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas and Hong Kong.