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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

NIGHTLIGHT: AVENUE Antiques & Art at the Armory sets record attendance as shoppers delighted in an eclectic selection of collectibles and antiquities from over 55 International dealers


VENUE Antiques & Art at the Armory’s (formerly Wendy Show) run from December 3rdthrough 6th was a triumph; not only setting record attendance but signifying the return of dealer and consumer confidence in the world of design, art, antiques, and collectibles.

On Wednesday, December 2nd, over 400 New Yorkers joined AVENUE Magazine to celebrate the grand opening of the show with a private preview and cocktail reception to benefit The American Cancer Society’s HOPE LODGE Jerome L. Greene Family Center (NYC). Guests such as Sue and Georgina Bloomberg, actress Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl), Richard and Diana Feldman,Bettina Zilkha, Margo MacNabb Nederlander, James L. Nederlander, and Richard & Marcia Mishaan, enjoyed a first-look at dealers specializing in antique English and American silver, contemporary and vintage jewelry, antique American, English and Swedish furniture, American, Asian and European porcelain, antique flags, Russian antiquities, rare books, antique rugs, fine, modern and contemporary art, and objets d’art of all kinds.  

Thursday, December 4th saw the Park Avenue Armory packed with over 800 guests for the Private VIP night. Celebrities were out in full force during the show, which saw steady attendance throughout the four days. Seen on the show floor were Jon Bon Jovi,Wayne GretzkyVera WangCyndi LauperRalph Lauren, and Patty & John McEnroe.

AVENUE Magazine Publisher, Julie Dannenberg, when assessing the show results said, “I have been in and around the show business for 20 years and as the Publisher of AVENUE Magazine, I have always seen a synergy between these two businesses.  I hoped that one day I would have the opportunity to put this to the test.  When that day finally came, never did I imagine that I would have the privilege of being surrounded by such a vast array of beautiful objects, or that I would also be so thoroughly embraced by such a wonderful community.  All of us at AVENUE feel so lucky to be accepted by the dealers and equally as thrilled that our community of Upper East Siders has been energized and motivated to shop again!” 

Dealers also shared their thoughts on the success of the AVENUE show:

Michael James of The Silver Fund said, “The AVENUE Antiques & Art at the Armory restored my faith in shows.  The atmosphere at the show was incredibly upbeat and positive.  It was refreshing to do a show that was so well promoted.  Most importantly, the level of interest shown was phenomenal, as was the high level of attendance.”

Guy Regal of Guy Regal Ltd./Newel LLC said, Life has finally been returned to the art and antique market via the AVENUE Show. There was an excitement on the floor from the moment the doors opened. Happily it continued past the end, as I had a fabulous follow-up sale the next day.  As a dealer who has done shows for 25 years, it was an absolute pleasure to finally work with promoters who honestly cared about their dealers.”

Show sales included:

Michael Pashby Antiques sold a fine pair of late 18th century Portuguese open armchairs in the Chinese Chippendale style.

M.S. Rau sold a set of silver by Paul de Lamerie, important English Silversmith as well as five paintings, including one Norman Rockwell and one by John Grimshaw.  "Traffic was great - at times we were busier than we could handle," said President Bill Rau.

Emily Satloff of Larkspur & Hawk had her “best show ever.”

Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge Inc. sold a few Sailor's Woolwork pictures and a 17th century botanical engraving. 

Made in Russia sold an important Russian Icon.


For the first time, The Royal Oak Foundation partnered with AVENUE Antiques & Art to host a series of fascinating lectures.  “It was wonderful to be a part of the 2009 AVENUE Antiques & Art, meeting dealers and visitors alike who have a deep interest in history, the fine and decorative arts,” said John Oddy, Executive Director of The Royal Oak Foundation. 

For information about this show please visit www.avenueshows.com.  

ABOUT AVENUE
AVENUE magazine is a must-read among the city's most discerning, stylish and savvy audiences. As AVENUE enters its fourth decade as Manhattan's premiere social magazine, we are pleased to extend our exclusive brand equity through The AVENUE Show series.

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