From the Desk of Wade Terwilliger
Dear Partners,
When I say “partners,” I mean it. At Palm Beach Modern Auctions, consignors and bidders play an active role in our success: by ensuring the information in listings is accurate and complete, by sharing upcoming auctions with others who may be interested, and by introducing new consignors who could benefit from our services. We even offer an easy and profitable referral program for those introductions. Details can be found at here.
This November marks a first for Palm Beach Modern Auctions: a two-day auction weekend. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Modern + Contemporary Art & Design, we open the season with our main sale. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, we follow with a boutique, single-owner auction of furniture and accessories from a 330-foot luxury yacht.
We rarely schedule back-to-back auctions, but this season is different. By aligning these sales, we have created an opportunity that benefits everyone who participates, whether as a consignor or as a bidder. Here’s why:
- Season Kickoff Momentum – Our fall auction always sets the tone. After nearly five months without a sale, our clients are eager to see what is coming to market. The opening of the season consistently brings strong participation and competitive bidding.
- Increased Marketing Investment – Normally, we commit about $50,000 to promote our main modern auction. This fall, by combining the two events, we are raising that spend to approximately $75,000. That means larger campaigns on Google, more prominent print ads in the Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach Post, Sun Sentinel, and Miami Herald, and an expanded presence in national outlets such as the New York Times, with consideration of the Wall Street Journal. As I have always said: More Bidders = Higher Prices.
- Palm Beach County Advantage – Our business is located in Palm Beach County, Florida, long recognized as one of the nation’s highest net worth regions...
- Art Basel Timing – With our auctions scheduled just before Art Basel Miami Beach in early December, timing could not be better...
- Curated Experiences – Both days will feature valet and catering inspired by my partners’ and my travels to France this summer...
- Expanded Media Reach – With the help of our new PR consultant, we are pushing our story beyond advertising and into earned media coverage...
- Quality Across Categories – Already consigned are significant works spanning art, design, and luxury. Highlights include pieces by Phillip Pearlstein, Chuang Che, Alex Katz, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Sam Gilliam, Julian Opie, Pablo Picasso...
We are still accepting consignments for a short time longer. If you have considered selling, now is the moment... Whether buying or selling, your participation is what makes PBMA strong.
I believe our success comes from keeping our eye on the ball: serving our clients with honesty, focus, and care. We invest in marketing because it delivers for our consignors. We create experiences because our bidders matter. And we remain loyal to our clients because you are the reason we are here.
With gratitude for your partnership,
President
September 25, 2025