NEW YORK – Liz Lees of Caskey-Lees Inc. and Meg Wendy, the veteran art and antiques show producers, have formed a partnership to co-produce the New York Ceramics Fair, it was announced by Lees, who founded Caskey-Lees with her husband Bill Caskey in 1985.
“I am very pleased that Meg and I have joined forces,” says Lees. “Her depth of experience in the world of art fair production, particularly in New York, is unparalleled and will prove invaluable to ensuring the growth of the New York Ceramics Fair.”
The New York Ceramics Fair—the the only fair of its kind in the United States that specializes in ceramics, pottery and glass from the 17th-21st centuries—celebrates its 15th anniversary, from Jan. 22-26 at the historic Bohemian National Hall, 321 E. 73rd St. The opening night preview on Tuesday, Jan. 21, marks the start of Americana Week in New York.
“It took a lot to get me out of retirement, but When Liz asked me to co-produce the New York Ceramics Fair, I couldn’t resist, because it has always been one of my favorite shows,” said Wendy. “As we move ahead, one of our goals is to broaden the appeal of collecting ceramics to a younger audience. This year our emphasis is adding more contemporary works to the mix of 17th-19th century objects.”
According to Wendy, over 25 top-tier vetted galleries and private dealers from the United States and Great Britain will participate. Among the new exhibitors are: Ferrin Contemporary (Massachusetts), Cliff Lee (Pennsylvania) John Pagliaro (New York), Warren Antiques (Connecticut) and Rodney Woolley Ceramics & Works of Art (Great Britain).
Returning to the fold are: Anavian Gallery (New York), Garry Atkins (Great Britain) Martin Cohen (New York), Martyn Edgell Antiques Ltd. (Great Britain) Michelle Erickson (Virginia), Katherine Houston Porcelain (Massachusetts), John Howard (Great Britain), Roderick Jellicoe (Great Britain), Leo Kaplan Ltd. (New York) Kinghams Art Pottery (Great Britain) Moylan/Smelkinson (Maryland) Sylvia Powell Decorative Arts (Great Britain) Santos (Great Britain), Ian Simmonds (Pennsylvania), The Stradlings (New York) Philip Suval Inc. (Virginia), Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge (New York), Mark J. West (Great Britain) and Lynda Willauer Antiques (Massachusetts).
“We are very excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the New York Ceramics Fair and thank the loyal dealers, curators, collectors and designers who have made this fair the success it is today,” said Wendy.
Meg Wendy and her mother Diane built a veritable show empire with regional art and antique fairs proliferating in New York and around the country. They ran shows in every building in New York City, including the Park Avenue Armory at 67th Street, the 34th Street Armory, the 26th Street Armory, The Coliseum, The Sacred Heart School on 91st Street, St. Ignatius Loyola on 84th Street and one of the very first shows in the Javits Center.
Wendy retired in 2008 to start her next project – NEWFOCUSON.com – an online showcase for jewelry, art, design, antiques and travel and a must-read for industry news and events.
The New York Ceramics Fair, which takes place in the Grand Ballroom of the Bohemian National Hall, 321 E. 73rd Street (between First and Second avenues), opens to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 23, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 26. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket price with catalogue is $20 per person, and can be used throughout the duration of the fair.
The New York Ceramics Fair is produced by MCG Events LLC and Caskey-Lees Inc.
In addition to the New York Ceramics, Fair, Caskey-Lees currently produces the San Francisco Tribal & Textile Arts Show in San Francisco.
For details visit, www.newyorkceramicsfair.com.
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