“There’s nothing like Palm Beach in terms of worldly, sophisticated taste coupled with a fresh, young approach,” says philanthropist Audrey Butvay Gruss, the Gala Chair of Palm Beach, America’s International Fine Art & Antique Fair (Feb. 3–11). Though her primary residence is in Manhattan, where she is a patron of the Frick and the Met, among other institutions, Gruss finds that Palm Beach offers a wide variety of experiences in the visual and performing arts. “One minute, you’re seeing a grand Verdi opera, the next you’re at a Ming porcelain museum exhibition worthy of one of the great European capitals, and then later you spy a rare 18th-century Italian sconce tucked away in a local antiques shop.”

Gruss and her financier husband, Martin, both active collectors, have watched the local arts scene develop since the days when they were first attracted to Palm Beach for its equestrian activities and events. A part-time resident for two decades, Gruss contributed to this landscape with her resources and honed eye; she helped found the city’s Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 1992. For her acumen, she credits her husband, a collector of Old Master paintings and 18th-century English furniture, as well as the late interior designer Mark Hampton. “Traveling with Mark was like getting a master’s degree,” she says. “Over the past 20 years, I’ve bought from probably everyone. Real treasures can be found on Antiques Row and beyond, though not everything is an absolute rarity,” says Gruss, referring to South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, which is home to more than 50 antiques dealers and specialty shops. This stretch alone is reason enough for venturing out beyond the fairs to seek local treasures, but Gruss gives six more:

1. “Worth Avenue has the warmest, friendliest staffs I’ve ever experienced,” Gruss says of this area, which is known for its jewelry. “L’Etoile Royale is excellent for vintage Van Cleef & Arpels and other period examples. And if you can’t catch Richters on Worth Avenue, head to their stand at the fair.”

2. For painting and sculpture, Gruss favors Gasiunasen Gallery, Wally Findlay Galleries and John H. Surovek Gallery. If you are a collector of Modern and contemporary art, visit Gasiunasen for Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jim Dine and Fernando Botero. Currently for sale is Roy Lichtenstein’s 1990 three-dimensional, wall relief “Suspended Mobile” ($300,000). Wally Findlay Galleries feature Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and Modern masters as well as contemporary art. At press time, the gallery is offering a $1.2-million 1935 Raoul Dufy landscape “Le Train” as well as Nicola Simbari’s latest palette knife oils and acrylics ($20,000–$80,000). And John Surovek, which carries 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, is showcasing two Maurice Prendergast oils: his 1918 “Picnic” ($1.3 million) and a smaller 1907 seascape ($375,000) [Surovek refuses to have prices published]. In addition, Surovek carries works by Winslow Homer and George Bellows while he represents the estate of William Glackens.