New Wave Art Wknd, the annual gathering founded by gallerist Sarah Gavlak, is upon us once again, expanding Palm Beach’s art world well beyond its galleries and museums. Over three days, artists, collectors, curators, and cultural leaders come together across Palm Beach and West Palm Beach for studio visits, panel discussions, gallery tours, and private events that highlight the region’s growing cultural momentum.
Since its founding in 2017, the weekend has become a catalyst for a more connected art community, bringing together supporters, collectors, and artists while giving space to voices and ideas that have historically struggled to find visibility within the art world. In doing so, New Wave has played a meaningful role in Palm Beach’s evolution into a dynamic cultural hub.
Here’s what to expect.
Ann Lewis. Portrait credit by Breann White
Day 1
New Wave Art Wknd began on Friday with a focus on artists and conversation. The afternoon opened at Rohi’s Liberation Station with an artist talk by Ann Lewis, the New Wave Artist in Residence. The program started with a discussion at 2 p.m., followed by a student workshop bringing the next generation into the weekend’s programming.
By late afternoon, attention shifted to Royal Poinciana Plaza, where guests embarked on a gallery walk culminating in remarks from Acquavella Galleries at 5 p.m. The evening continued with an intimate collection visit and cocktail reception, offering an early opportunity for collectors, curators, and artists to reconnect as the weekend unfolds.
Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow photographed by Sebastian Kim
Day 2
Saturday will begin at The Bunker Artspace with breakfast and a panel discussion exploring alternative models of arts patronage. The conversation will address one of the central questions facing the contemporary art world today: how collectors, institutions, and artists can build more sustainable systems of cultural support.
Following the discussion, guests will tour Beth Rudin DeWoody’s renowned private collection during a curator-led walkthrough with Laura Dvorkin and Maynard Monrow.
The afternoon will continue with a gallery walk featuring stops at Eric Firestone Gallery, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, and GAVLAK. The day will conclude with the weekend’s private patrons benefit dinner at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, where guests will gather beneath the gardens’ towering palms.
Self-portrait with shaded eyes, 1634, by Rembrandt. Courtesy of the Leiden Collection, NY
Day 3
Sunday will turn toward reflection and art historical perspective. The morning will begin at the Norton Museum of Art, where J. Rachel Gustafson, Senior Director of Curatorial Operations and Research, will lead a tour of Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection.
The weekend will conclude with a farewell cocktail reception at Caroline Station, hosted by Love Bandit by Show Pony, offering a final moment for the conversations and connections sparked over the past three days to continue.