The Crozet Arts Festival Fun

crozetIn a few days, we’ll be enjoying our yearly trip to Claudius Crozet Park in Virginia for the Crozet Arts Festival. The view in the park, first of all, is breathtaking, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountain, a one acre lake, picnic areas, trails and more.

On May 11 and 12 they’ll be hosting the yearly art show with 101 juried artists. The artists coming this year include: Spirit Tree Art, Inc. Jewelry, Allison K Studio Mixed Media, Sandra Baquero Collection, The Barn Swallow Ceramics, No-Yoke Art, Ennis Mountain Woods, Bill and Sue Baldwin Leather, Weaving Arts Studio/Jesamie Handwovens, Raymond Bell Gallery and Garden Photography, art2die4 Photography, Tracy Booth Paintings, Dick Brown Graphics Photography and many others.

They also have musical entertainment coming which will include Skyline Cloggers, The Design, The Virginia Gentlemen, Terra Voce, The Judy Chops, Beleza and others. They plan to have additional family activities this year including Kim and Jimbo- Interactive Musical Entertainment, Mr. Freckles Balloon Twisting and Magic Acts, Crozet Arts Children’s Group production of Public Art, Crozet Arts Creative Movement, Mystery Music, guided painting and more.

It’s definitely worth a look if you live in the area or are an arts fanatical like I am!

A Quick Glimpse at the Spring Show NYC

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to the Spring Show NYC this year that is happening right now at the Park Avenue Armory. Instead, I have to live vicariously through the news reports and blog posts about the amazing show. This blog caught my eye recently by Gail Shields-Miller of Shields & Co. Interiors and I thought it was a fascinating way to cover the show. Rather than looking at all 50 exhibitors, Ms. Shields-Miller features three here that she personally went to see prior to the show.

While visiting Carlton Hobbs, she explained that she felt like she was walking into a small museum in France. As she described, “Every piece has a special story about it and comes with an impeccable provenance. Carlton Hobbs occupies a rarefied strata in the antiques business, and primarily seeks out furniture and art which belonged originally to royal families and aristocrats or famous architects of that period in history.”

Phoenix Ancient Art

Phoenix Ancient Art

While visiting Phoenix Ancient Art, owned by brothers Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam, she explained that the pristine environment of the gallery includes “stunning dark bronze metal clad walls…stone floors…and precious irreplaceable artifacts from ancient civilizations.” Ms. Shields-Miller was lucky enough to spend time with Hicham Aboutaam. As she described it, “I was fascinated by his knowledge of this market place, one about which I must admit I have very limited knowledge. His passion about what he sells is quite evident when you listen to him describe the various pieces he has bought and sold over the course of his career. Collecting and selling antiquities is not only a business but is a manner in which the world learns about past civilizations.”

Finally, she visited Lillian Nassau, owned by Arlie Sulka. This site includes Tiffany Studio pieces from classic lamps and windows to pottery, glass and desk accessories. As she explained, “According to Sulka, the interest in real Tiffany pieces has continued to grow since she assumed the helm of the business several years ago. Now business comes from all over the world due to the Internet, whereas in the past it was primarily from the United States. The collection is outstanding and at close inspection the color of the glass and execution of the metal work is truly remarkable.”

Pair of Andre Arbus Chairs at Lillian Nassau

Pair of Andre Arbus Chairs at Lillian Nassau


What a show it must be if these three companies, Carlton Hobbs, Phoenix Ancient Art and Lillian Nassau are indicative of the quality of work that is on display.

Dance & Music Ensemble Coming in May

Ann and KateIf you happen to find yourself in Asheville on May 17-18, you should definitely not miss this opportunity. Two amazingly talented woman are going to team up for a beautiful performance at The Diana Wortham Theatre.

The event will be a performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Ann Dunn, who has guided North Carolina’s oldest non-profit dance company for years, will be putting on An Appalachian Romance. This is based on Romeo and Juliet but set in the Asheville mountains. Kate Steinbeck and her chamber ensemble Pan Harmonia will play the accompanying music.

The young lovers will be danced by Lyle Laney and Alyssa Belcher.

Tickets are available at the box office at 257-4530.

Asheville’s Drum Circle

drum circle

If you don’t live in Asheville, you definitely don’t know what you’re missing! This has got to be the most vibrant, interesting town around. Every Friday night in the warm weather months, we have a drum circle. Anyone is invited to participate in the drumming, dancing and enjoying. The drum circle takes place in Pritchard Park downtown on Patton Avenue at College Street.

It’s about as much fun as there is, starting around 5 pm usually and going until 10. The drum circle has been going for over a decade, having started in 2001! Here are some great pictures and videos to capture the fun and enthusiasm of the drum circle. Get involved and have fun!

Success for the Original Miami Beach Antique Show

ombas_webIn a recent press release, the US Antiques Shows announced that attendance at their 52nd annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show increased by 10% this year. The show took place from January 31-February 4 2013 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. While we weren’t there, I certainly try to follow major antique shows and I’m always curious to see how they do.

The press release reported that the show attracted close to 900 established dealers. As Dan Darby, the group fair director said, “We are excited to report an increase in attendance and that buying continues to remain strong. This year we added antique seminars to the show schedule and were able educate hundreds in the antique community with the help of several of the most established professionals in the industry who spoke at the event. We look forward to continuing these traditions as part of our show in the years to come.”

In addition to the higher than usual attendance, antique dealers reported that sales were also up. As Jeff Cohen, N. Green & Sons said, “Throughout the Show weekend we noticed an increase in our sales and the largest crowds we’ve ever seen on the floor during the years we’ve exhibited. We’re pleased with the overall outcome this year and we’re looking forward to exhibiting at the L.A. Antique Jewelry & Watch Show this March.”

From what I understand, there was also a charity raffle during the show, which is always a lovely idea. They raised over $6000 to benefit Paws 4 You Rescue Inc. While I didn’t get to the show this year, I’m hoping to be part of it next year. I’ve already got it on my calendar for January 30- February 3, 2014!

Zarsha Leo: New Pub Features Monthly Artist

Not surprisingly, we aren’t very interested in sports. I wonder if you could find too many avid antique collectors who also love football and basketball games. Perhaps. But we don’t happen to be two of them! I was tipped off, however, to the new restaurant-bar franchise that has opened near our home called Zarsha Leo.

In the grand opening advertisement, the CEO Evan Burschkopf promised that, “Zarsha Leo will be a comfortable, down-home sports bar for sports enthusiasts. However, since we are opening in Asheville, we are sensitive to the artistic culture of the area and will be featuring a different artist each month.” Now that was talking to me!

So, my husband and I ventured over. The down-home cooking was delicious and we were able to somewhat ignore the sports shows blaring from the many tv screens around the restaurant. The artist of the month was a jewelry maker who I’ve loved for years, Minka Atka, and it was fun to see her work on display. This certainly won’t be a weekly hotspot for me, but as they feature a new artist, I’ll probably go back to check out it and I definitely appreciate the sensitivity they are showing to the city and our flavor!

Lincoln’s Life & Times: Reflections on His Birthday

Abraham LincolnOn the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it is interesting to look back at the man and at his use of language. As a historian and antique collector, I always find the study of history fascinating. Certainly, Steven Spielberg’s recent movie Lincoln has brought the man and his presidency into the spotlight at the moment. Many more people now know about his personality and his achievement.

What is less known, however, is some of the language that Lincoln used and the patterns of such language. Lincoln used the phrase, “In our hands” in various ways quite a few times, and the Shapell Manuscript Foundation has a number of their pieces that show this pattern.

In a letter that he wrote in Springfield on October 12, 1860 to William H. Seward, Lincoln wrote that it looks “as if the government is about to fall into our hands. Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana have surpassed all expectation, even the most extravagant.”

Later, in April of 1865, Lincoln went to the front to wait for Richmond to fall. The Secretary of War thought that Lincoln was putting himself in danger. Edwin M. Stanton wrote that Lincoln shouldn’t “expose the nation to the consequences of any disaster.” In reply, in a letter on display with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation, Lincoln wrote “Yours received. Thanks for your caution; but I have already been to Petersburg, staid with Gen. Grant an hour & a half and returned here. It is certain now that Richmond is in our hands, and I think I will go there to-morrow. I will take care of myself.” He wrote this on April 3, 1865 to the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, in Washington DC.

It is certainly interesting to see Lincoln’s repeated use of the phrase “In our hands” as we reflect on all that Lincoln did for the country on the anniversary of his birth.

$10 Million Coin Sells

I find antiques so fascinating partly because you just never know what is going to become valuable – and what you may have of value in your home! If you haven’t seen this report yet, those in the antique world will want to prick up their ears.

dollars

One of the first US silver dollars that was ever minted has just sold for the record breaking amount of 10 million dollars. They believe that this is the most that an auction house has ever received for an individual coin.  Interestingly, the silver coin started its journey in Orange County, California and was transported clear across the US to the New York Stack’s Bower Galleries in a Brink armored truck.

There are a few interesting tidbits about this coin. All 1758 of this first edition silver dollar were pressed on one day – October 15, 1794. And, historians think that George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson may all have individually handled this coin since the minting was all done on that one day.

The lucky winner of the coin was New Jersey’s Legend Numismatics. They are a rare-coin firm and they do not plan to sell it anytime soon!

Nashville, Here We Come

NashvilleIf you’ve never been to Nashville, Tennessee, it’s a must-see on the Bucket List. If you have been there, you may want to think about February as the best time to return. We are definitely  making our reservations and marking our calendars already for next month. Nashville welcomes amazing antique dealers in February each year and they have some of the most unique show set-ups that I’ve seen anywhere.

First, from February 13th-16th, the Fiddlers Inn will have their annual antique show. This is, as they say, “an unusual, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.” The show is actually set in the hotel, so viewers can walk from room to room, seeing the gorgeous antiques and feeling the interesting ambiance of each location. The hotel rooms are turned into both wholesale and retail shops and the entire experience creates an airy, delightful way to shop for great antiques.

Then, without even skipping a beat, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel has a show that piggy-backs the one above. It runs from the 14th to the 16 in February and is called the Heart of Country 2013 show. It includes over 120 antique dealers of Americana, Folk Art and decorative art.

Of course, if you haven’t spent much time in Nashville, you may not know about the many other ways to fill your time when you aren’t shopping for antiques. You must go to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Grab a bite to eat at the Loveless Cafe. And, for a really unique experience, take the Nash Trash Tour. Now that’s an experience you’ll never replicate! Check out more ideas here and have a blast in Nashville with us!

Enjoying Christmastime in Asheville

Nothing beats Christmas in Asheville. This year, as every year, we have a few fun activities planned for the week of Christmas. We are going to start, as we always do, at the Antique Tobacco Barn in town. It is actually nationally recognized as one of the best antique malls in the Southeast and it has received recognition in Southern Living magazine, through the Discovery Channel and with Budget Travel.

This mall is truly an antique lover’s haven. It has 75 independent antique dealers housed in one massive warehouse. Should you not find what you’re looking for there (how could you not!), you can always try the other 13 antique stores that are within a mile or two from the grounds.

Now, in addition to happy antique hopping, we are also going to shop in the Biltmore Village. This quaint area is right across from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate and has more than 40 shops and cafes. It includes picturesque tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks, period architecture and many other gems.

And, of course, we will drive around and admire the sparkling lights at the Biltmore Estate and see if we can’t get ourselves a tour of that charming and gorgeous residence! I’m looking forward to seeing the 68 trees that they’ve decorated inside the house and to admiring the gorgeous lights throughout.
Merry Christmas everyone!

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