Art Basel Miami Beach Wraps Sunday Night

MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) – Four days of parties, exhibits, installations and discussion revolving around art in the world came to an end Sunday with the conclusion of Art Basel Miami Beach.

It's been a great week for Kevin Foltz. The Miami Beach artist said he's never sold more art work than this year during Art Basel.

"It's been stupendous," said Foltz. "Traffic has been probably four times what it normally is, a lot of Europeans. It's really good."

Just down the hall at the Art Center of South Florida, artist David Zalben said pretty much the same thing, but no one seems to know why things have picked up so much this year.

"I don't know why it's better because the economy isn't very good for a lot of people," said Zalben. "Maybe the haves are doing better than the have-nots. Maybe that's what they've been saying all along."

Regardless of the reason, a lot of Miami Beach businesses are reaping the benefits. At Spris, a restaurant on Lincoln Road, foot traffic has been heavy.

"Very, very good," said Michele Palmisano, the restaurant manger.

Just down the block, bartender Diego Desanctis was also pleased. Sanctis said tips have been better than usual for this year's Art Basel and he's eager for it to come back next year.

"I think it's good for Miami, for me, for everyone," said Desanctis.

More than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa took part in Art Basel Miami Beach which showcased works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.