Antiques raise funds for art

Published 11:00 pm Thursday, February 14, 2013

Bev Harrell, left, and Marilyn Tonkin admire the items in a booth at the Suffolk Art League Antiques Show and Sale on Saturday. The show continues today at King’s Fork Middle School.

The Suffolk Art League will celebrate its 30th annual Antiques Show and Sale on Feb. 23-24 and invites everyone to come out and join the fun.

The organization’s only major fundraising event supports a number of educational programs, including visiting artist workshops in the schools, children’s art workshops and a scholarship program.

With 39 vendors offering a variety of different antiques products and services, the show offers things for young and old, art league Executive Director Linda Bunch said.

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“I find a lot of people reminisce,” Bunch said. “They see something that reminds them of Great-Aunt Suzy or whatever, and they have a chance to reminisce about that. Some younger folks might see things they’ve never seen before, and that can be interesting.”

The show will be held at King’s Fork Middle School, 350 Kings Fork Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 and noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Admission is $5.

“We are excited to have a number of new antiques dealers this year,” Bunch said. Among them is a new furniture dealer who “has some really nice furniture,” Bunch said.

Many favorites are returning, including a silver dealer, a crystal repairman and textile dealers with old quilts and vintage clothing. A clock repairman who has been in the past but skipped the last couple years also will return, along with a variety of others selling books, jewelry, crockery, porcelain, coins and military memorabilia, knickknacks and other antiques. One dealer with an assortment of autographed photos will sell his wares, and a frame restorer will offer services.

“I find it really interesting to see things from the past and search for those gems that you find,” Bunch said. “It’s really unique and interesting.”

Those looking for a break from treasure hunting can enjoy lunch, including Brunswick stew and barbecue by Rodman’s, as well as homemade desserts, which will also benefit the art league.

In addition, a painting by local artist Jean Ward Jordan, known for her marsh and beach landscapes, will be raffled to benefit the art league. Tickets are available throughout the week at the art league office or at the antiques show. They are $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 24, at the close of the show, and you do not have to be present to win.

Once patrons have eaten lunch and entered the raffle, those who still need a break from shopping will be sure to catch someone they know.

“It’s always quite a social event,” Bunch said. “You sometimes run into folks you haven’t seen for a while.”

For more information about the antiques show and sale, call the art league at 925-0448.