26th Street Armory Antiques Show

Downtown, the 26th Street Armory Antiques Show, under new management, offered another approach to what's new in old things, featuring several dealers who don't come to NYC often. It is an opportunity to see lots of fresh merchandise, often at affordable prices. 

Scott Estepp, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a must-visit at any show, always bringing fresh, sometimes eccentric in-a-nice-way wares that add zest and color to the proceedings. A mix of folk art, modern, paintings, furniture and architectural details is chosen with the creative, original eye of an energetic, one-of-a-kind dealer.

Michele Fox, Wilton, Connecticut, is the source for flags, patriotic textiles, quilts, and bakelite jewelry, all in pristine condition. Michele is getting ready for her debut as a show manager in June 2014, with WOODARD & GREENSTEIN. The show will be a benefit for THE PECONIC LAND TRUST in Bridgehampton, New York. The brand new ANTIQUES & DESIGN SHOW opens June 21, 2014 for two days only, with a benefit preview party on Friday, June 20th. For details, email info@woodardandgreenstein.com.

Victor Weinblatt Antiques, South Hadley, Massachusetts, exhibited an exceptional collection of trade signs, a category that is becoming more and more difficult to collect. Victor, whose Grandmother was sorry to see him give up his career as a Professor at Harvard to sell "used" items, has set new standards in a niche area of collecting, bringing a wealth of humor and delight to a joyous career choice.

Bob Withington Antiques, York, Maine, has an eye for the strong, bold forms of European and American antiques, decorative arts, garden furnishings and folk art. His presence at an antiques show ensures that the attendees will get to see the unique, the unusual and the always lively exhibit of colorful and exciting objects he successfully delivers every time. 

American Garage, Los Angeles, California, reminds us why Folk Art and Americana will always be in style and provide delight to all. Their booth is like a small museum of objects that "speak to our heart", as owners Michael Ogle and Diana Douglass put it.

The Winter Antiques Show January 24th - February 2nd, 2014

And we thought last winter was cold... Every January New York is warmed up - that may be stretching it a bit - with the magnificent, 60-year old Winter Antiques Show to benefit the East Side House Settlement. 

Everybody who has even thought about antiques is either putting on a show, or paying to get into the many events held in this whirlwind frenzy antiques month in the big, cold apple. The local auction houses long ago jumped on the bandwagon and usually throw big auctions; this year's star being the collection of Ralph Esmerian, "Visual Grace". The auction grossed $12,955,943, a new record for an auction of American Folk Art. But nothing compares to this old chestnut of shows that, like Cher, will live forever! And I mean that in a nice way. 

Nathan Liverant & Son, Colchester, CT.
Arthur Liverant heads up the third generation of this family business which has been dealing in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century American furniture, paintings, silver, glass and related accessories since 1920. I always try to tell Arthur that he really does not look 90, but he is always too busy with customers to joke around. 
(Just kidding).

Suzanne Courcier and Robert W. Wilkins, Yarmouth Port, MA.
Not only is Arthur Liverant not even close to 90, but Suzanne and Bob are not Shaker, although their strictness in exhibiting the finest of Shaker and Americana is worthy of old church discipline. They are a little looser when they party, however, thank Heav'n.

Olde Hope Antiques, New Hope, PA.
Veterans of 17 years at the Winter Antiques Show, this firm has always exhibited extraordinary examples of American Folk and Decorative Arts. It is not easy to make Americana seem fresh and crisp, but each year their booth hits a home run.

"R 20th Century", New York City.
Yep, Mod made it to the Winter Antiques Show. The elegance here is very seductive and we suspect we will be seeing more fine 20th-Century design at shows in the coming years.

Elliott & Grace Snyder, South Egremont, MA.
The Snyders are much admired authorities on early American furniture, paintings, textiles and Americana. Their presence at the Winter Antiques Show makes a significant contribution to the event. 

Barbara Israel Garden Antiques, Katonah, NY.
A fantasy comes to life here with garden furnishings of the highest caliber. Americans still have some catching up to do in this field of collecting, and Ms. Israel is here to help. 

David A. Schorsch - Eileen M. Smiles, Woodbury, CT.
Always with an outstanding collection, this year's booth included an Ammi Phillips masterpiece, a double portrait of twin brothers, Jacob Wessil Ten Broeck and William Henry Ten Broeck, painted in Clermont, Columbia County, New York, 1834.