Twenty outstanding antiques dealers and four accredited appraisers will be in Easton in March to benefit mental health advocacy programs. Antiques are proven to be good investments and the annual show provides an exciting event to the community each spring.
The 16th Annual Charity Antiques Show and Appraisal Event will be March 20-22. Opening Night is March 20 with the theme Antiques Are Green. According to Sharon Ritter, Co Chair of the event, the theme was chosen to emphasize that antiques are renewable, recyclable, and responsible. Marguerite Beebe, Co Chair, notes that the community already has shown a great deal of support to the Mental Health Association’s major fund-raiser this year. “Twenty restaurants have responded to our raffle, and winners’ names will be drawn on Sunday, March 22, the last day of the show.” Dealers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania will be in downtown Easton at the Waterfowl Building throughout the weekend.
New to the show this year are Christine Magne, Antiquaire, David Beauchamp, Northumberland Antiques, and Riverside Antiques. Committee member Kathy Canzoniero considers the dealers this year to be the most intriguing since she has been a member of the committee.
PNC Bank is the show sponsor this year. Preview Party Sponsors include Easton Bank & Trust, The Hill Group at smith barney citi, Fred and Lesley Israel, Mary Ann Schoeb, Shore Health System, Wishing Well Liquors, Shore Bancshares, Inc. , and Wye Financial & Trust. Program Book Sponsors are Susan and Jack Stoltz. Honorary Chair persons for the Opening Night Party are Mr. Bruce Wiltsie, Mrs. Julie Susman and Mr. Owen Wormser. Lily Pad will provide hors d’oeuvres.
The variety of credentialed appraisers is attracting a great deal of attention. Reservations have been called in to have a favorite heirloom appraised, according to the MHATC staff. Claiborne Beall, ASA, of Beall Appraisal Service, LLC, is an accredited senior appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. His area of expertise is furniture, porcelain, silver, paintings and prints. Sherlene Bradbury, GIA Graduate Gemologist, has thirty years of experience in estate appraisals. She uses a state of the art portable laboratory and appraises diamond, gold, gem jewelry and watches. Newbold Richardson of Alexandria, Virginia has been a textile and material cultures historian for more than 25 years. She evaluates, conserves, and appraises historic textiles for private and institutional clients. Co-Owner of the Costume and Textile Specialists, a consulting firm for museums, she teaches workshops in textile conservation, including quilts, laces, coverlets, samplers and linens. New this year is Marie Martin, an appraiser of 19th and 20th century and contemporary photography. Her clients include The Wilderness Society, US News & World Report, Washington Post and the Library of Congress.
For reservations for any of the appraisers who will be available in Easton on Appraisal Day, Saturday, March 21, call 410 822-0444. Cost for the appraisals is $30 for two items and $10 for each additional item, and includes a show ticket.
Highlights of the weekend are Booth Talks on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 and a complementary tea on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Proceeds will benefit the Mental Health Association’s Veterans’ Initiative, Mental Health First Aid Training, Kids on the Block and Eldercare Training. For more information on mental health referrals and prevention programs call 822-0444 or visit mhamdes.org.