press release
Art Greenwich Attracts Excellent Attendance
and Reports Early Sales
Fair begins with strong Vernissage evening and
many weekend visitors
Greenwich, CT- September 22, 2011- Despite stormy weather, the Thursday night Vernissage drew more than 850 attendees to the opening of the inaugural Art Greenwich aboard SeaFair. The ship's aisles were crowded with collectors – among the notables were Steve and Alexandra Cohen, George and Carol Crapple, John and Charlotte Suhler, and Charles Mallory.
Local papers the following morning headlined "Floating Art Show a Marvel" and thereby attracted a large weekend attendance to the fair. The Fair concluded Monday at 7pm with a closing attendance of over 5,500.
Among the galleries reporting initial sales included David Brooker Fine Art, Green River Stone, Haynes Fine Art of Broadway, Hollis Reh & Shariff, Jewels by Viggi, Mark Hellier 20th Century Designs, Moylan-Smelkinson, Waterhouse & Dodd, Yvel for Manfredi Jewels, Art Link International, Emmanuel Fremin, Galerie Mark Hachem, Godel & Co., Inc., ModernMasters Fine Art, Frederic Got Gallery and New Art Concepts.
Guests commented on the diversity of the fair's presentation. "SeaFair was festive and elegant," said Joanne Olian, former curator at the Metropolitan Museum, "when you're aboard it's very conducive to buying because you feel you're truly away on holiday!"
"An unforgettable experience, SeaFair itself is like a fine work of art. I was amazed at the quality of art, antiques, jewelry, furnishings and contemporary glass. It was a treat to see so many well known artists on display together, from Harry Bertoia, Joan Miro, John Chamberlain, Picasso, Dufy, Warhol and Lichtenstein, there was something for everyone," commented Tracey Thomas, Vice President and Executive Director of VENÜ MAGAZINE.
"We were especially pleased that the fair was so well received in the community. We are especially indebted to the Bruce Museum, the Neuberger Museum, the Greenwich Arts Council, Westport Arts Center, Rye Arts Center, Greenwich Time and Chamard Vineyard for their cooperation and support," said David Lester, Principal, IFAE and owner of SeaFair.
SeaFair's winter schedule will commence in December with two holiday fairs, Art Tampa Holiday, December 8th-12th at the Tampa Convention Center Marina and Art Sarasota Holiday December 15th-19th at Marina Jack.
Both December fairs will feature an array of affordable international contemporary art and jewelry. Collections on display will include photography, painting, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, objet d'art and fine art glass.
SeaFair's December shows will feature special holiday Vernissage evenings. Each will host collector, corporate and private holiday events on the Sky Deck and in the new Collector's Lounge. An informative lecture series will be of special interest to collectors.
