Let’s face it — everything in 2020 is very different from previous years, especially the holidays. Whether it’s Zooms with your extended family for Christmas, outdoors and 6 feet apart for Hanukkah candle lightings, it’s a strange time for everyone, and hard to feel festive.
Couple that with global fairs being shuttered, local galleries struggling, and really valuable organizations – integral to our industry – are in dire straits … it’s really tough out there these days.
We’ve been in talks with our friends at The Art & Antiques Dealers League of America (AADLA) and the National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America (NAADA), two of the most renowned U.S. organizations in the biz, who have banded together to present a thoughtfully curated virtual art & antiques exhibition timed to the holidays.
Cue The Twelve Days of Christmas, currently on view running through December 16th, where more than 40 international, national and local exhibitors showcasing a variety of treasures such as jewelry, paintings, furniture, silver, porcelain, and more.
The cool factor? Much like an advent calendar, each day, exhibitors are unveiling one exclusive new item, hand-selected from their array of extraordinary treasures. Whether you’re eyeing the spectacular Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet from Brad & Vandy Reh Fine Jewelry or the coveted Country House “Penfold” Letter Box offered by Michael Pashby Antiques (that sold on the first day!), the exhibition – powered by Incollect – has received global praise for its notably user-friendly, accessible format, as well as its quality of wares on view and for sale.
“The landscape of our industry is forever changed, and so we are changing with it,” says Clinton Howell, President of AADLA and owner of Clinton Howell Antiques in New York City. “The Twelve Days of Christmas is designed for easy access — no endless clicking — that puts the fine art and objects on your (computer) doorstep. The format of seeing new items every day for 12 days brings your shopping directly to you. The dealers are from two prestigious antiques groups who are passionate about what they sell. The contrast with other online shows where dealers present a group of objects under their own banner is fine, but with that comes a much faster burn-out factor, as you are required to click tirelessly to see all that is offered. The Twelve Days of Christmas will keep viewers interested and engaged, coming back to see what might be on offer from one day to the next.”
Dealers participating in The Twelve Days of Christmas are highly reputable, offer an eclectic range of works, and have been in business for more than 20 years. All have participated in vetted shows since they were first introduced into the U.S. in 1986.
Naturally, there is a giving back component. If this year has taught us anything, it’s to give give give. As an added enticement, 5% of each purchase will be donated to the Greenwich Historical Society. The ninety-year-old organization, whose mission is to preserve the vibrant history of the New York City suburb, Greenwich, CT., is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
So if you’re looking for an artistic gift for that creative person on your list, this virtual exhibit is running through December 16th!