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SeaFair 2011: Fine Art Exhibition and Luxury Yacht in One

Photo Courtesy of SeaFair

The East Coast fine art fair circuit in the past few years has been greatly enhanced by SeaFair, a waterborne exhibition yacht designed by Luiz de Basto and custom-constructed for a $40 million price tag.

SeaFair travels the shoreline bringing singular exhibits, priceless collections and VIP events to dozens of well-heeled oceanfront communities. It was conceived and created by David and LeeAnn Lester, 20-year veterans of the fine art scene, owners of International Fine Art Expositions, and masterminds behind AIFAF (formerly the Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair) and Naples International Art & Antique Fair.

 


After a well received springtime stop in Sarasota, SeaFair brings its floating three-story fine art showcase to New England for the summer. Its summer tour kicks off in Newport, Rhode Island with "Art in the Harbour" fairs starting June 30 and winding up in early September. The 228-foot vessel will become a familiar sight, docked in its "summer home" slip at Perry Mill Wharf.

The program includes an international and eclectic array of dealers, collections and media, exhibiting in 28 galleries. In addition to art and sculpture, fine jewelry, furniture and art glass will be on display in the onboard galleries, with prices per piece mostly in the $3K to $35K range.

 

 

 


And with single-day admission tickets priced at $15 in advance or $20 at the door, SeaFair welcomes the casual, non-committal or merely curious visitor. General admission exhibit hours generally are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday through Monday.

The dining and drinking venues on Sky Deck will be open to attendees during these hours, while the evening will welcome yachting crowds and socialites for a variety of dockside soirees. Glass-walled Sapore’ Restaurant accepts reservations when not booked with special events. Casual Bistro 360 and the Luxe Lounge operate on first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

 


Though summer officially ends in August, New England’s legendary lingering autumns will allow for one more stop: Greenwich, CT, September 15-19. This will bookend the debut fair, which also took place in Greenwich. For schedules, exhibitor information or to purchase tickets, visit ExpoShips.com.

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Lena Katz

Lena Katz is the author of the Travel Temptations series (SIP, SUN, SNOW), published by Globe Pequot Press in 2009. Lena is also a travel expert for Celebrations/1800FLOWERS and WEtv (online and on-air). She contributes to the South China Morning Post and ABC News online. Lena is a former Orbitz Travel blogger and former columnist for the LA Times. She's been published in Brides Magazine, Robb Rep...(Read More)

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