PALM BEACH, FL.- The 12th annual Palm Beach | America’s International Fine Art & Antique Fair, February 1-10, opens with the elegant and exclusive Vernissage, the Fair’s Opening Night private preview on Thursday, January 31, 5:30 – 10:00 pm at the Palm Beach Convention Center. A highlight of the Palm Beach social season, the Vernissage offers the rare opportunity to purchase exceptional art and antiques prior to the fair’s public opening, and is attended by leading collectors, philanthropists, interior designers, museum curators, art consultants and dealers.

“With a distinguished 12 year long track record, this Vernissage is remarkable on several levels,” says Mrs. Martin Gruss, who serves as Gala Chair. She has attended every Vernissage in the fair’s history. “The setting offers a very different ambience from that of fairs in major cities. Here, collectors are more relaxed, which ups the appeal of the Vernissage and the fair.”

Adding to the glamour and international stature of the Vernissage are Honorary Chairs Viscount and Viscountess Rothermere with Mrs. Martin Gruss serving as Gala Chair. Connoisseur Committee Co-Chairs are Mr. and Mrs. Llwyd Ecclestone and Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Ross.

New this year is a $150 Vernissage ticket level that Palm Beach Fair director Dr. Michael Mezzatesta says will “encourage a new and younger generation of art lovers and collectors to mix with seasoned buyers, curators, and art advisors and their clients from around the world. Last year's Vernissage was a great success with over 1,000 guests, and this year we expect an even bigger turnout to greet the many new exhibitors from Spain, Italy, Dubai, Paris, London, and New York. It’s going to be an vening to remember."

The Vernissage will benefit the Mosaic Fund, a philanthropic endowment dedicated to supporting non-profit programs in the arts and arts education throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The fund is managed by The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (CFPBMC). Last year's Vernissage raised more than $360,000 for the fund.

Vernissage Dinner Co-Chairs are Mrs. James Keenan, Mrs. Sidney Kohl; Florida Art in Focus Committee Co-Chairs are Thomas Quick, David Ober; and Mario Buatta serves as Designer Committee Chair.

Vernissage tickets are $150 - $500. The $500 Connoisseur level includes a Gala Dinner at 8:30 pm. For tickets call Cookie Ziemba at The Community Foundation: 561-655-1103 or register online at http://www.cfpbmc.org.