In keeping with the museum’s new, expanded public profile, the Houston Museum’s 39th Annual Antiques Show & Sale will be held this year at one of Chattanooga’s new venues, Stratton Hall, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Feb. 22-23, and 12-4 p.m. on Feb. 24.
Back are some of the show’s favorite vendors, bringing beautiful, collectable antique glass, jewelry, silver, furniture, paintings and more from all over the Southeast. Donna Garrett Kidd of Charleston, S.C., is the show manager.
“Donna is a veteran and a pro when it comes to managing antiques events,” said Houston board member Marilyn Hoke. “She is well known and very popular in antiques circles in the Southeast, and she is recruiting a sizable number of high-quality dealers. Shoppers can buy with an assurance of complete authenticity. Our dealers are also very knowledgeable and very willing to share their knowledge about antiques—that’s one of the most fun aspects of the show every year.
“People who attend antiques shows are the ultimate treasure hunters. They aren’t just looking for pretty things. Antiques are literally pieces of history. If they could only talk, what a story they could tell.”
The event is Chattanooga’s premier antiques show, and is expected to be one of best ever, Ms.Hoke said. “It’s also the Museum’s biggest fundraising event, and an important opportunity for the community to support the Houston.”
Also returning is the preview party, Feb. 21 from 7-10 p.m. at Stratton Hall, where for $75, party-goers will have the chance to purchase their chosen items in advance, while enjoying catering from Events With Taste and wine, water or soft drinks. Valet parking will be available. The show itself will also again offer a silent auction of selected items. This year, the Museum’s gift shop will have a booth, where books about the Houston’s history and collection, museum memberships and gift certificates will be available. Dress for this event is business casual.
New to the show is an opportunity to hear Bill Carney, founder and director of the Chattanooga Woodworking Academy, speak about restoring antiques, as well as building reproductions. Carney will be featured informally during the event, showing actual pieces and answering questions from guests.
The story of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts remains one of the most colorful in a city history filled with colorful characters:
The mystery of the money—and many marriages—of Mrs. Houston
- Whether she married nine men or 10, what isn’t disputed is that during her colorful life, “Antique Annie” amassed what is considered the finest collection of glass and ceramics in the world. Her “pretties,” now housed in a Victorian house in the Bluff View Arts District, are but a fraction of what was a massive collection of collections, hand-picked by a self-taught master in the art of discovering, recognizing and acquiring antiques of all kinds.
Excerpted by permission from Chattanooga Landmarks by Jennifer Crutchfield
Media sponsors of the show include the Times Free Press and Fairway Outdoor. Business sponsors include the Bluff View Arts District, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Legg Memorial Fund, the Peach Tree Depression Glass Club, the Coca-Cola Bottling Co., The Trust Company, and Patten and Patten.
Reservations for the Preview party are due Feb. 14.
For tickets and information, call 423 267-7176, or go to www.thehoustonmuseum.org.