Aug
1
Conde Nast Portfolio
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Voyage of the Art Barge
Is a boatload of galleries an idea that will float? by Alexandra Wolfe
“DID YOU EVER think that it would be this big?” says David Lester, a large man in a short-sleeved oxford, pointing at a 228-foot yacht that’s swarming with workers in a Miami shipyard. Lester, the founder of Palm Beach International Fine Art and Antique Fair, is placing a $60 million bet that brokering high-end art on a high-end boat will become a lucrative new wave in the art market. “Up in Greenwich,” he says, perspiring in the 90-degree heat, “they don’t know what’s coming”.
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Jul
1
Art Times Journal
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Culturally Speaking
There I was, planning my annual Ladies Fish-Off trip to Ft Lauderdale, FL, when I got an invitation to go to Miami for a “hard-hat” tour of Seafair’s Grand Luxe. It meant staying an additional day, but what a neat idea. I accepted the invitation and after the Fishing Tournament (I didn’t place but wasn’t skunked!) I rented a car and drove down to Miami to see the Ship. I was met my head of operations Jeff Lawson who took me on a tour of the 5 levels that included 28 gallery spaces, sky deck bistro with a concert stage, open-air champagne and caviar lounge and international coffee bar, and a Fine Dining Restaurant. Workers and supplies were everywhere. Lights, wall coverings, carpet, and lots and lots of cables were waiting to be connected. Each booth will have WIFI, Music piped in with Bose speakers and air-conditioning. Nothing was completed, but I could see from what was already done how it would come together. Seafair’s Grand Luxe is a fine art yacht where prestigious American and European Galleries will exhibit their Fine Art, Decorative art, Antiques and Estate Jewelry.
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Jul
1
The Atlantan
More from Bonita Springs
Float This Boat
Shopping for fine art and antiques usually means trudging from gallery to gallery. But aboard SeaFair’s Grand Luxe, a gorgeous 228-foot exposition mega-yacht, you’ll eye up pieces from a revolving array of 28 international dealers just by walking the length of the ship. Beginning in September, Grand Luxe hits 38 cities along the eastern seaboard including Washington D.C., Manhattan, and Miami Beach. While you can’t stay overnight aboard the yacht, it rests five days at each stop, giving you access to its fine-dining restaurant, open-air champagne and caviar lounge, and sky-deck bistro.
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