Dealers gladly accommodated the holiday shoppers with wide selections of tempting gift ideas like Steiff animals, silver items, vintage linens and mid century modern furniture leading the way.
In gearing up for the 2011 season the Puchsteins have installed free wi-fi computer access to aid dealers in searching for information for customers, and a new series of television ads aimed at attracting a younger audience has premiered in South Florida touting marbles, postcards, vintage handbags and modernism furniture and accessories dating from the 1930s to the 1960s. Everyone attending the show will appreciate the wide selection of estate jewelry and silver and investment quality art, said the Pucksteins.
One of the dealers who specializes in investment quality art is Michael Perez of Ellen & Michael Perez Art and Antiques. Michael was raised in New England surrounded by antiques and art, and Ellen has an art education. The business seemed to be a natural for them. They specialize in Asian art, American folk art, American and European art and tribal art. Michael has an affinity for sculptured objects in those categories and has begun some of his own works in the field.
The Perez’s typically display several hundred items in their booth at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival including a display case of exquisite smalls. The inventory ranges in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars and all of it is guaranteed to be interesting according to Michael. In fact he says “so many interesting things” is the most frequently heard comment in his booth during a Festival weekend.
The Festival is now on Facebook under West Palm Beach Antiques Festival and anyone is welcome to become a fan. The Puchsteins plan on posting photos of merchandise unloading during setup so fans can get a sneak preview of what to expect at each show.
The January edition of the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will celebrate the New Year Dec. 31 through January 2. Festival hours are Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Early Buyer’s admission is Friday 9 a.m.-noon and the $25 admission is good for all three days. Adult daily admission $7, seniors $6. Anyone 12 and under is admitted free. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds.
The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the South Florida Fairgrounds located off Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, 1 1/2 miles west of the Florida Turnpike and 1 mile east of U.S. 441/SR7. For more information contact the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival at (941) 697-7475, e-mail info@wpbaf.com or visit the website at www.wpbaf.com.
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