New comic and pop culture convention coming to Tennessee

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Self-avowed "geeks of the world" will unite May 19-20 for the first-ever ShowCon, a pop-culture and comics convention that will be held at the Mid-Tenn Expo Center, 1209 Park Avenue.

"We call ourselves the epicenter of geekdom," said Brian Ross, one of the ShowCon organizers.

The idea for ShowCon grew out of a local Inernet/podcast called, "The Show," hosted by Ross, along with pals Adam Pewitt, J. Patrick Tinnell and Ernest Harper.

"We talk about nerdy things, like movies, comics, horror, anime and cartoons," Ross said. "We wanted to visually represent what we talk about, so we came up with the convention."

Now the idea — the dream of having a local comic convention — has been transformed into an ever-growing event for comic book collectors, sci-fi fans, Dungeons and Dragons gamers and video game junkies, just to name a few potential types of people who will be attracted to this event.

"Some people have sports they're into. We're into games and comics," said J. Patrick Tinnell, "The Show" co-host and ShowCon organizer. "When we (friends) are all together, this culture is what we talk about."

Fans of this genre are likely familiar with Comic-Con, an internationally known comic books and pop culture convention held in San Diego. Now these types of events are held across the country, and next month, Murfreesboro will have its own version.

"We are having comic books, vendors, artists, special guests (from) TV, movies, big name comic artists and others," Ross explained. "We are going to have video game tournaments, costume contests, panels and prizes. We have are going to have video games to play, and there will be trading card game tournaments."

Show guests include Amanda Dyar from BioGamer magazine; Samantha Newark, who voiced the 1980s cartoon character, Jem; Kimberly Dunaway, a sketch card artist; Sam Flegal, zombie portrait artist; Showtime All-Star Wrestlers; Ari Lehman, the first Jason Voorhees from "Friday the 13th" movie series; and Dirk Benedict, TV star from "The A-Team" and original "Battlestar Galactica." ShowCon will also feature the replica 1967 Chevy Impala "Hunter" from the TV series, "Supernatural" and its weapons cache, along with The Fright Zone, an indoor "haunt."

Since beginning the process of organizing ShowCon, it's even outgrown the original event space.

"It's the ripple effect. If you drop something in the right place, you will see an effect," Ross said.

While cartoons, games and comic book heroes may seem child's play, there's a wide age range of fans, Tinnell said.

"I look at it like comics are almost like modern-day mythology. I don't want to say Shakespeare. But there's some really great storytelling and that's what draws me," Tinnell said. Stories are good enough that many a blockbuster movie have been based on comic heroes — from Superman to Iron Man and X-Men. Even "The Walking Dead," a popular TV show about zombies, is a comic book series.

Comic books and superhero flicks are also indicators of popular culture and "what's going on in the world today," Tinnell said.

Escapism is another reason Tinnell is a fan. "Who wants to watch the news? I'd rather be reading a comic, playing a game, or getting lost in a hero movie," Tinnell joked.

ShowCon isn't just for the male species, either. There's a draw for the female gender as well.

Although ShowCon costume director Brooklyn Hinson admittedly doesn't read comic books, she's a fan of the characters themselves and creates her own elaborate costumes. "I can be Poison Ivy and nobody knows it's me. It's the whole thing of having a secret identity. Superman was Clark Kent, who wore glasses, and he was a nerd. But on nights and weekends, he was flying around, saving the world," Hinson said.

Beyond comics is the realm of video games, which holds its own immense fan base and cast list of characters. Once again, there's something for all ages. And Ross promised that ShowCon is appropriate for all ages. Parents need not worry about taking their children.

"I want our show to be upscale and classy," Ross said. "We want to represent Murfreesboro in a positive way. We want it to be perfect."

But even if you don't have children as a guise for your interest in comics, collectibles and supheroes, you won't be alone, Hinson said.

"People get to come out and play," Hinson said. "It's going to be awesome. We've put a lot of time and work into this. (You can come out and say) 'I'm a geek and I'm going to embrace it."

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Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Expert to speak on 'Pop in Chicago' May 8 at Rago's

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. - Rago Auctions invites all interested parties to join them on Tuesday, May 8 for an open house featuring guest speaker Dr. Robert Cozzolino. Dr. Cozzolino will deliver a lecture titled 'Further Adventures of Pop in Chicago.' The event will be held at Rago Arts and Auction Center, 333 N. Main St., Lambertville, NJ 08350, during the preview for Rago's May 12 Fine Art auction.

A reception will begin at 5 p.m., with Dr. Cozzolino's address at 6 p.m. The auction house will open to the public at noon.

Dr. Cozzolino joined Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2004. As Senior Curator and Curator of Modern Art, he has organized numerous exhibitions, including "George Tooker: A Retrospective," and "Liz Osborne: The Color of Light." He has also brought many significant acquisitions into PAFA's permanent collection, including The Linda Lee Alter Collection of Art by Women, which will debut in an exhibition this Fall at PAFA. Dr. Cozzolino lectures frequently in a wide range of contexts, serves on public discussion panels, conducts numerous studio visits with artists, serves as a visiting critic in studio programs, and is often called on to be a juror for competitive exhibitions. His publications include essays on Henry Ossawa Tanner, Magic Realism and Photography, Modernism in Chicago, and Salvador Dali's late work.

RSVPs are preferred but not essential. Call 609-397-9374 ext. 119 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Queen Mary to host Princess Diana exhibit

The Press-Telegram says "Diana: Legacy of a Princess'' will include hundreds of items from the British royal family and will showcase more than 2,000 artifacts, featuring gowns worn by the princess, letters, designer sketches and other items.

Many of the items have never been displayed, including a garden bench that was a wedding gift for Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The exhibit in Long Beach will be co-hosted by the ship and the nonprofit breast cancer awareness organization Pink Ribbons Crusade. It's scheduled to open June 16.

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Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Bluebonnets and great buys at Marburger Farm's April 3-7 show

ROUND TOP, Texas – They came by busloads from across Texas and by air from as far as New Zealand. They came by limos and by pickup trucks. For the 30th edition of the Marburger Farm Antique Show on April 3-7, they came with high spirits and deep pockets. Buyers were greeted by fine spring weather and a record display of wild bluebonnets in the fields of central Texas.

“It was unreal how many people were shopping,” said Richmond, Va., exhibitor Ben Cochrane. “I have never seen an antique show like it.”

“Marburger is a dealer-friendly show,” says Wimberley, Texas, exhibitor Paul Lawson. “My show was perfect.” Lawson sold American Indian artifacts, a rare pair of 1890 pommel holsters and industrial lighting alongside an 1860s acid-etched oil lamp with original cranberry shade.

“That first show was a few of us set up in the mud,” said Marburger exhibitor Evelyn Jones. “We had space number AA1—the first space. It was a huge success and the show skyrocketed from there.”

Today Marburger Farm welcomes over 350 exhibitors, in 10 tents, many of them as large as football fields, plus 13 restored early Texas buildings with brick footpaths and shady porches packed with exhibitors.

Most unique about Marburger Farm is the amount of quality merchandise available in the large booths and the amount that goes home with shoppers. Exhibitor Kimberly Faison sold a 19th-century Swedish drop-leaf farm table, an 18th-century Italian oval table, Delft pottery, tole trays and an 18th-century English table made of early Cuban mahogany. Faison sold so much that, instead of returning to Virginia, she boarded a plane in Houston to shop in England for the next show.

Tom Bireley of Merriam, Ind., drove 1,300 miles each way to participate. “It was fantastic,” he said. “We sold the most we’ve ever sold—close to 40 pieces of furniture, paintings, and smalls. This is the show that makes our year.”

Marburger Farm seeks out vendors who bring authentic and unique merchandise. Pat and Karen Kenney of South Porch Antiques in upstate New York arrived in Texas with a chest-high cast iron urn, circa 1900, embellished with life-sized egrets and floral designs.

“People were lining up to buy it,” says Pat Kenney. “This was our best show ever. It’s an excellent show and an awesome place.” The Kenneys also sold industrial factory seating, early tables and unusual smalls, as well as a large double-locking medical cabinet to a designer from Nashville.

Interior designers have always made up a significant share of the Marburger shopping community. At its 30th show, Marburger Farm welcomed “Dwell with Dignity” as a new charity partner. Founded by Dallas designers who have opened their hearts and their warehouses, Dwell with Dignity creates simple, beautiful environments from donated furnishings for families trying to escape poverty and homelessness.

From a tent in the middle of the show, Dwell with Dignity volunteers networked with designers from other cities and sought donations from the Marburger vendors. From transferware to birdcages to a giant IBM clock, the donations appeared the following week in the organization’s Thrift Studio Pop-Up Shop in the Dallas Design District, all for sale to benefit the work of Dwell with Dignity. Uncommon Objects of Austin styled the Marburger Room and pies were donated by Royer’s Café of Round Top. “We are thrilled to provide Dwell with Dignity a home-base during Antiques Week,” said Marburger show manager Ashley Ferguson. “It will only grow from here.”

Marburger artisan exhibitor Dolan Geiman of Chicago has contributed artwork to Dwell with Dignity. “They are trying to change people’s outlook and increase their self-esteem by creating a nice environment for those who would not otherwise have it,” said Geiman.

The artwork he offered at Marburger Farm combined antique found objects, collage and mixed-media, such as an 1800s hymnal and a 1950s magazines found in an abandoned house. Among the vast range of antiques, Marburger Farm also offers about 30 artisan exhibitors with original folk art. “Our show was good and we’ll be back in the fall,” said Geiman.

The show also gave a portion of ticket sales to Texas Children’s Hospital and hosted the Brookwood Community, a residential program for functionally-disabled adults near Houston. Brookwood sold live plants, gourmet items and handmade décor created by its residents.

Special events included book-signings, one by columnist Karen Weir-Jimerson of her book So Much Sky and another by Leslie Sinclair, author of Segreto—The Secret to Beautiful Finishes.

Marburger welcomed new food vendor Legal Tender Saloon to the task of providing thousands of fresh meals from a kitchen on a cow pasture. “The food was certainly good and the lines moved faster,” said Marburger exhibitor Al Linder of Northfield, Minnesota. Linder sold American farm primitives such as windmill blades and gates, as well as advertising and resort signs. He had participated in all but three of the past 30 Marburger Farm shows.

Destin, Fla., exhibitor Ann Miller Hopkins sold rustic European antiques such as cabinets, tables and art. “You have more opportunity to sell things at Marburger Farm, especially if they are one-of-a-kind and functional for a home. There were lots of designers with projects, which is encouraging,” Hopkins said. She was so encouraged that she left right after the show to buy in Belgium for the fall show.

The Marburger Farm Antique Show will take place Oct. 2-6, 2012. For additional information, log on to www.roundtop-marburger.com.

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Coca-Cola collectors drawn to Springtime in Atlanta

The annual Springtime in Atlanta event drew more than 400 collectors to the Crowne Plaza Ravinia Hotel Thursday to bid on Coca-Cola Co. items ranging from vintage neon signs to a myriad of historical bottles, posters and promotional hardware.

Coca-Cola archivist Phil Moodey, who has searched for lost and unknown treasures for more than three decades, is surprised at what he finds at every show.

“If we do see something that fits into our collection—that enhances it in some way—then we'll certainly try to acquire it,” Moodey said.

Oscar Segovia, a collector with an eye on the 1950's era, missed out on some desired items at the Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia in Elizabethtown, Ky. in March but was the winning bidder of some small metal signs.

“Most of my signs are bigger and I really wanted something very small and I figured I'd have a better opportunity here to pick up a couple of good items,” Sergovia said.

With prices ranging from less than a dollar to well into four figures, virtually every bidder could walk away with a desirable artifact.

After more than 30 years of collecting, vendor James McDonald has narrowed his real love of collecting and selling to the company's paper advertising.

Standing with a $1500 “Betty” calendar from 1914 that stood almost five feet tall, McDonald summed up his love for Coke on a historical level.

“I started with a small bottle collection and decided that the bottles were not what I wanted then I got into the early stuff. Today, I guess, that's ancient history.”

The event was open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday only.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-WF-04-06-12 2032GMT

Report: Asia Week NY sales exceed $170M

"Asia Week New York 2012 wrapped up its robust season over the weekend after an extraordinary week of openings, events, gallery exhibitions, lectures and auctions," said Henry Howard-Sneyd, Chairman of Asia Week New York 2012 and Sotheby's Vice chairman of Asian art, Americas. "Almost every significant art form and country in Asia was represented, often in depth, across the city. The dealer participants reported consistent visitor traffic throughout, with many saying that they had sold better than last year. The auctions reported record high prices in many categories with New York maintaining its ranking among the top-selling centers of the world. " According to Howard-Sneyd, classical Chinese paintings have returned as a leading element of the Asian art market after more than 10 years' absence.

"This was the busiest New York Asia Week we've seen in many years," reported James Lally, of J.J. Lally & Co. "Our exhibition was a great success, with approximately 75 percent of the items in our catalogue now sold, including a few items to museums, but private collectors were dominant, as usual." According to Lally, he received confirmation from the Freer Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, of the museum's acquisition of a rare Sogdian Parcel-Gilt Silver Fluted Cup, dating to circa 700 A.D. "Chinese art is currently enjoying a 'boom', with many new collectors and dealers coming from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China. Chinese art of every kind and every period is more popular around the world now than ever before in history. We sold items to American, Japanese, European and Chinese buyers, with American buyers making the most purchases by a wide margin."

"The overall exuberance and acquisitive atmosphere were reminiscent of Asia Weeks of the late 1990s," said Joan Mirviss, who reported that the response from collectors and enthusiasts to her exhibition "Approaching the Horizon: Important Japanese Prints from the Collection of Brewster Hanson" was exhilarating. "By the close of Asia Week's openhouse weekend, we had sold nearly 60% of the exhibition (which included sixty-eight prints). In terms of attendance and participation, this year's Asia Week was tremendous and far exceeded those in recent memory."

"Our 'Portraits & Pantheons' exhibition of 20 Korean paintings garnered an energetic and positive response," said Jiyoung Koo of KooNewYork. "A number of these rare works are now officially 'on reserve' for museums but I also have a wait list of other curators for pieces.What surprised me the most was the great interest in two particular scroll portraits of scholars-one dated 1924 and the other from the Annexation Period (1910-1945) -even more than the paintings dated earlier. This may reflect the long-sighted vision of various curators re-looking at the tumultuous period of the turn of the 19th/20th century with a fresh eye now that we're in the 21st century. Additionally, these paintings help to shed historical light on the birth of Modern and Contemporary Korean Art that is in the spotlight these days."

"We are overjoyed by the positive response to our Asia Week exhibition," said Carlton Rochell, who specializes in Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian art. "It has been one of the most successful shows for us to date, with over 30 top-quality works of art selling to at least four American and international museums, as well as to private collectors from around the world. We have seen unprecedented numbers of people here at the gallery, many of whom we have met for the first time. Asia Week New York continues to be the premier destination for museums, collectors, and dealers worldwide and we were thrilled to be a part of it."

According to Edith Dicconson, the director of the Chinese Porcelain Company, the Sackler Museum of the Harvard University of Art Museums acquired Summer Mountain After Rain, an ink on silk painting by Tai Xiangzhou (b. 1968). "We are pleased to report that Tai Xiangzhou ink paintings are now in six important private U.S. collections, and one in Hong Kong," said Dicconson.

"This has been my best-attended exhibition in years and has had amazing sales from day one with great interest from museums and private collectors," said Michael C. Hughes who exhibited Chinese and Indian art. "I am very pleased."

"Kapoor Galleries is thrilled at and thankful for the support of our distinguished clientele, one of whom flew in his personal jet to view the exhibition, prior to its official opening," said Suneet Kapoor. "We have had tremendous interest and kind praise from collectors, curators and colleagues for the high quality works on display." According to Kapoor, the highly important earliest known signed and dated Nepalese paubha of a Vasudhara Mandala sold for over two million dollars.

Additional sales at Kapoor Galleries included: Krishna & Arjuna Hunting, attributed to Manaku, from the mid 18th century sold to a European private collector; a Basohli painting depicting Krishna quelling the naga Kaliya, attributed to Fattu, circa 1765; along with a magnificent sculpture of Vishnu, circa 10th-11th century sold to an American private collector; a lovely leaf from the Sundar Shringar series of paintings, depicting Radha in conversation with her mother in law, as well as Prince Climbing a Rope a marvelous Mughal painting from the 18th century sold toa distinguished New York collector.

Carol Conover of Kaikodo, specializing in both Chinese paintings and works of art and Japanese art, was happy to report that the gallery sold several of their most important classical Chinese paintings to American cultural institutions. Other works of art, in the six- and seven-figure category, were sold to American, Chinese and European collectors.

According to Peter Kang, of Kang Collection, specialists in Korean ancient and contemporary art, a number of museums have reserved or shown strong interest in acquisitions from their exhibition this year. "This was our strongest year since we started three years ago, and we expect our sales to quadruple," said Kang. "We had the highest volume of pedestrian traffic from all over the world, including people who had never visited our gallery."

"I've had a very busy Asia Week, lots of steady foot traffic throughout the week," reported Joe-Hynn Yang of Courage and Joy. "Clients and collectors were very pleased with the focus on Tang and Song ceramics, and they were glad that that market is being supported by dealer exhibitions. I have sold my pair of Tang 'fat ladies' in the range of $150,000; as well as a number of bronzes and sculpture that were not included in the catalogue, but shown privately to those who came into the gallery."

"I have had a very successful week," said John Eskenazi, of John Eskenazi Ltd. "Many of my good clients came back and the general mood has been buoyant, and noticed many European buyers were in town. We also detect a strong interest from Far Eastern collectors venturing outside of the Chinese art market."

"We have had a very positive response to our fifth annual exhibition of Indian Painting in New York, and many collectors, new and old, and museum curators-American, Asian and European-have been in to view the exhibition," said Brendan Lynch of London-based Oliver Forge & Brendan Lynch Ltd. Sales included A Prince Inspecting Manuscripts in a Palace Library, attributed to Manohar, Mughal India, circa 1600, sold to a European museum; A Raja Dressed for Puja, Deccan, India, circa 1760, sold to a museum in Asia; A Lady With a Tambura, Kishangarh, India, circa 1760, sold to an American private collector. The Hour of Hour of Cowdust, attributed to Fattu, Basholi, circa 1760, sold to a private European collector; Krishna on a Terrace, leaf from a Bihari Sat Sai series, Kangra, circa 1785, sold to a private European collector; and Radha and Krishna on a Palace Terrace at Dawn, Kangra, circa 1800, sold to a private art museum in Asia.

"I was very pleased to have sold over half of my exhibition in the first four days of Asia Week" said Eric Zetterquist. "The most notable sale was a guanyao celadon vase made for the imperial court in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). I was delighted to meet many new collectors."

Tibetan and Indian textile expert Carlo Cristi of Milan, Italy said his exhibition of Central Asian textiles was well attended with a good flow of visitors. "Interest in ancient textiles has been consistent," he reported. Among Cristi's sales were a very large silk canopy (52 ¾ by 32 ½ inches), woven in red, blue, green and golden colors, and a large deep red fragment with bulls marching in rows, 7th-9th century.

Jewelry from India, Burma, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia was featured at Sue Ollemans Oriental Art. Ollemans reported that sales were up over last year with an increase in museum interest for her pieces. Sold were a pair of diamond flower earrings from Jaipur, circa 1950 and a diamond and ruby pendant, also from Northern India.

"We had more visitors both Asian and Western than we recall in any Asian Week past," said Stephen Chait of Ralph M. Chait Galleries. "Selling was strong -- mostly sculpture, pottery, and works of art. Asia Week was a great success."

Pace Prints, a first-time participant, was pleased with its inaugural year in Asia Week New York. "Through the combined participation of the leading institutions and specialists in Asian art, we have been able to expand our client base and our knowledge of the current Asian art market here in New York City," said Kristin Heming, Director of Pace Prints. "We have experienced increased interest in our Asian contemporary artists and are looking forward to building further relationships as a result of our involvement in this event."

Another new Asia Week New York participant, Francesca Galloway of London, noted: "The response to our exhibition and to Asia Week New York, in general, was phenomenal. We were extremely busy with a non-stop flow of people and sold fifteen paintings including the Nainsukh, the two important Fraser Album pages, as well as a masterpiece of Sikh painting: a detailed depiction of the Dessehra festival that celebrates Rama's conquest of Ravana. Eight additional paintings are under offer to museums and private collectors."

Asia Week New York 2013 will take place from March 15-24.

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SOFA art fair celebrates 15 years in New York City

“We are delighted to celebrate SOFA NEW YORK’s 15th anniversary in the art capital of the world,” said Mark Lyman, president of The Art Fair Co. and founder of SOFA. “SOFA dealers have always been at the forefront of promoting studio artists and designers when they were just starting to gain recognition.”

According to Lyman, SOFA was instrumental in bringing attention to luminaries such as Rudy Autio, Ruth Duckworth, Wendell Castle, Olga de Amaral, Dale Chihuly, Jun Kaneko, Betty Woodman, Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychtova, Sam Maloof, William Morris, Beatrice Wood, Philip Moulthrop, George Nakashima, Ted Noten, Lenore Tawney, Albert Paley, Ed Rossbach, Lino Tagliapietra, Peter Voulkos and Michael Zobel.

“These artists are always breaking new ground and SOFA dealers continue to reintroduce them, and many up-and-coming artists, to a whole new audience,” said Lyman, whose career as an art fair organizer spans 25 years.

Donna Davies, director of SOFA fairs in New York, Chicago and Santa Fe added, “In celebration of SOFA NEW YORK’s milestone 15th anniversary, plans are under way to reinvigorate the design and aesthetics of the exhibition hall. We look forward to presenting an exciting group of new dealers this fair who are strong in international ceramics.”

Renowned New York architect David Ling will transform the Park Avenue Armory into a veritable work of art for an event that itself overflows with top-tier contemporary and modern arts and design.

SOFA NEW YORK visitors will experience Ling’s creativity as soon as they step into the Armory.

“I conceived of it as a time machine-like procession,” said the architect/designer. “This procession leads visitors from the stately, Victorian-era foyer of the armory through a long, narrow tunnel, tantalizing you with the prospect of an unknown but exciting journey.”

The destination: the armory’s exhibition hall, modernized by Ling’s cutting-edge design, which will hover above the exhibition stands of the 50 participating international art galleries.

“Floating high over the exhibitions will be a huge cube of light, out of which smaller blocks of light explode, traveling to all points within the hall like newly formed stars,” said Ling. “I based the concept on the Big Bang Theory. It’s about creation, re-creation and energy, the origin of the universe in the Big Bang. It served as an inspiration for a modernist constellation to light this year’s SOFA NEW YORK. And with the fair’s universe of offerings,” added Ling, “I think my concept is a fitting one.”

Tickets are $25 for a single day and $40 for a four-day pass; both include catalog. For general information, visit www.sofaexpo.com; call 800-563-7632 or 312-587-7632; or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2012 Trenton Ceramics Symposium set for April 28

TRENTON, N.J. - This year's Trenton Ceramics Symposium, titled Trenton Potteries Company: Art and Commerce, will examine the history of Trenton Potteries Co., with special emphasis on the four monumental vases made for the company's display at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Additionally, the event will focus on the firm's many imaginative decorative wares that were made in the 1930s and 1940s alongside the sinks and toilets for which the company was famous.

As in the past, the annual symposium is being organized by the Potteries of Trenton Society (POTS) and co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Museum and Trenton Museum Society. The symposium will be held Saturday, April 28, 2012 in the Auditorium of the New Jersey State Museum on West State Street, Trenton. The program will begin at 10 a.m. with a Continental breakfast available beforehand. The registration table will open at 9:00.

The Trenton Potteries Company was organized in 1892 as a consolidation of five Trenton sanitary factories, including Crescent (established 1881), Delaware (est. 1884), Empire (est. 1863), Enterprise (est. 1880) and Equitable (est. 1889). A sixth factory, the Ideal, was built later. Together these potteries became the world's largest producer of sanitary and general wares.

An exhibit sent to the Paris Exposition of 1900 by Trenton Potteries Co. was awarded two gold medals. For the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the company conceived a grand scheme to advertise its faultless porcelain body by presenting it in the form of four lavishly decorated monumental vases, each standing nearly five feet high. The decorative design engaged Trenton's leading modelers, decorators, gilders, and enamelers as a demonstration of the skills available in the city's ceramic industry. Today, these vases belong to four museums, including the Newark Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Trenton Museum Society (Ellarslie), and New Jersey State Museum.

The example at Ellarslie was rediscovered and acquired only recently (for more information on this vase, see www.ellarslie.org/about/news/vase.htm). In the 1930s, the company saw commercial advantage in making artwares again when it produced Art Deco-style vases and novelties along with its toilets and sinks.

The symposium will begin at 10 a.m. and include four speakers. David Conradsen, Curator of Decorative Arts & Design at the St. Louis Art Museum, will survey art ceramics shown at the St. Louis Fair in 1904. Collector Bob Cunningham will examine the history of the four vases. After lunch in the New Jersey State Museum galleries, visitors will have an opportunity to examine the famous Trenton Vase.

Ulysses Dietz, Curator of Decorative Arts at the Newark Museum, will discuss the exhibition history of Newark's big vase from the time it entered the collection in the 1950s, exploring the nature of ceramic art as interpreted by one of the nation's leading art museums. To finish the program, Tom Rago, author of Collector's Guide to Trenton Potteries (Schiffer, 2001), will talk about the art wares produced in the 1930s and 1940s. A reception following the formal talks will be held at Ellarslie, the Trenton City Museum where this museum’s large vase is on view.

The symposium is open to the public.  The registration fee is $35 if paid by April 13. Members of the Potteries of Trenton Society, the Friends of the NJ State Museum, and the Trenton Museum Society may attend for $30, if paid in advance.  Everyone who pays at the door will be charged $40.  Registration includes all lectures, lunch, and the Ellarslie reception.  A mail-in registration form may be downloaded and printed from POTS website:  www.potteriesoftrenton.org; or interested parties may contact POTS President Patty Madrigal at 609-695-0122 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . POTS does not take credit cards, but checks are welcome.

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Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair at 40

The fair attracts over 30,000 collectors and enthusiasts including Stella McCartney, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, up-and-coming designer Ethan Koh, Suzy Menkes, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Ferry, Oprah Winfrey, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Nina Campbell, Jasper Conran, Sir Peter Blake, Sir David Tang, the Mittals and the Hiltons.

New exhibitors this year include interior designer and socialite Nicky Haslam, Anthony Outred, 20th century design guru Gordon Watson, Lennox Cato and tribal art specialist Clive Loveless.

One hundred-eighty specialist dealers will source and keep their best pieces especially for this annual event. The array of stock for sale ranges from traditional and decorative furniture to contemporary art and design as well as 20th century furniture and design, paintings and watercolors, silver, jewelery, textiles, ceramics, kitchenalia, lighting, carpets, Art Deco, clocks, tribal art, sculpture, fossils, mirrors and natural history.

Shoppers relish sourcing strong statement pieces such as the iconic Love by Robert Indiana (1966-1999), on sale through Barcelona gallery Mayoral Galeria D'Art, to sit alongside a much sought-after 18th century oak table. Antique Ikat textiles can be bought to hang next to the 1st Duke of Cambridge’s mirror (1774-1850) set among contemporary furniture by British designer Paul Belvoir. For those in need of some sparkle, there are over one million diamonds on sale through the jewelery dealers including vintage pieces by Cartier, Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels.

With prices ranging from £100 to £1 million the fair accommodates every level of buyer. Both first-time and seasoned collectors can be reassured by the knowledge that every piece has been checked by a team of trade experts, who vet the show before it opens to ensure it is genuine and of good quality.

There will be a program of tours, events and lectures suitable for both first-time visitors and regular attendees.

The fair takes place at Olympia Exhibition Centre, Olympia Way. London W14 8UX.

For details visit www.olympia-art-antiques.com.

Rushlight Club activities include previews at Jeffrey S. Evans

MOUNT CRAWFORD, Va. – The Rushlight Club will hold their 2012 annual spring meeting in Harrisonburg, Va., on Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 29. The meeting is being hosted by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates of neighboring Mount Crawford.

Meeting activities will include a day of lectures related to 18th and 19th century lighting, private tours of two outstanding Shenandoah Valley collections, and special previews of three important lighting collections being auctioned by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates on April 28 and 29.

Seminar registration fee is $52 per person, which covers all activities including a Thursday night opening reception, Friday lectures and box lunch, and a banquet on Saturday night. Transportation will not be provided. Registration is open to Rushlight members and their families.

The Rushlight Club, founded in 1932 for the study and preservation of lighting, is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to a single aspect of material culture. The collecting and researching interests of members range from the earliest primitive lighting devices through lighting by gas and electricity.

The purpose of the club is to stimulate an interest in the study of early lighting including the use of early lighting devices and lighting fuels, and the origins and development of each, by means of written articles, lectures, exhibitions from private collections and through the medium of exchange.

Visit the club’s website at http://www.rushlight.org/ for additional information including membership applications.

Eleven prominent US galleries to exhibit at Masterpiece London

NEW YORK - Eleven leading galleries from the United States have signed on to exhibit at this summer's Masterpiece London, the yearly art, antiques and design fair renowned for the pre-eminence of its selections. Returning to Masterpiece London are Kentshire Galleries, Michele Beiny, Les Enluminures, Safani Gallery, Elle Shushan, Tambaran Gallery, A La Vielle Russie and The Silver Fund. First-time participants include The Merrin Gallery, Fred Leighton, Siegelson, and Sperone Westwater, who will share a stand with Alberto di Castro, the Roman dealer, juxtaposing contemporary art with antiques.

"The reputation of these eleven galleries in their respective fields is utterly unsurpassed," said Thomas-Woodham Smith, co-founder and creative director of Masterpiece London.

Masterpiece London is no ordinary antiques fair but a forum for distinctive design and aesthetic excellence from all around the world. The fair showcases the best of the best in fine and decorative arts, along with premium collectors' items such as classic cars, fine wines, jewelry, and exemplary design. Building on its stunning successes in 2010 and 2011-and in the middle of what promises to be London's most exciting summer ever (centered around both The Olympics and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee) - Masterpiece London returns in 2012 to the South Grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3. Masterpiece London runs from June 28- July 4, 2012. A preview will take place on June 27.

In addition to the 11 U.S. galleries, Masterpiece London 2012 will also launch the fair's first American Committee. Thomas Woodham-Smith announced that committee co-chairs include Geoffrey Bradfield, Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Jamie Drake, Audrey Gruss, Susan Gutfreund, Scott Snyder, and Rose Tarlow.

Woodham-Smith commented: "The participation of these design luminaries on our American Committee is indisputable testimony that Masterpiece London offers one of the most outstanding collections in the world."

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Christie's to auction Daphne Guinness couture collection for charity

LONDON - Christie’s has announced it will auction the Daphne Guinness collection to benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation on June 27, 2012 at Christie’s South Kensington saleroomin London. The contents of the sale will be on public exhibition at Christie’s from June 23-27 inclusive.

The most glamorous summer event on the London fashion calendar, the auction and pre-sale exhibition of the Daphne Guinness collection will include 100 pieces from the personal wardrobe of fashion’s most contemporary cutting-edge muse. Effortlessly fusing the classic and the avant-garde, the Honorable Daphne Guinness has made a name for herself not only for her outgoing style, but also as a designer, artist, model and collector of haute couture. Having famously bought the collection of the late Isabella Blow in 2011 so as to preserve it in its entirety, Guinness has generously decided to offer key looks from her own renowned collection for sale at Christie’s in order to launch the charity she has set up in Isabella Blow’s memory. The mission of the Isabella Blow Foundation is to continue the work of "Izzy," supporting new and emerging talent in the sphere where art and fashion meet – a realm championed by Daphne. A portion of the funds generated by the Foundation will also be donated to mental health charities.

Pat Frost, Director of Christie’s Fashion Department commented: “We are delighted to be offering the fashion world this incredible one-off opportunity to buy some of the most iconic and cutting-edge haute couture of the early 21st century, owned and worn by Daphne Guinness. Not only will the auction comprise exceptional designs by the likes of McQueen, Chanel, Balenciaga and others, but it will also aptly benefit and shape the designers of the future. Christie’s is very proud to be able to play a part in helping Daphne to achieve her forward-looking and charitable aim.”

Additional information about the contents of the auction is expected to be provided in the near future.

Visit Christie's online at www.christies.com.

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UK’s open west art exhibition slated for March 3-31

Around 90 pieces of work from 55 artists have been selected by the curators and organizers Sarah Goodwin and Lyn Cluer Coleman, who are joined on the 2012 selection panel by artists Iain Andrews and Dan Chadwick. Work includes sculpture, painting, site-specific installation, drawing, textile, photography, ceramics, print and video. Award winners will be announced on the night of the private viewing.

A number of the artists have recently emerged from fine art MA programs, while many others are already highly established and internationally exhibited. All come from very different backgrounds, and each has a distinct story to tell. This is a significant opportunity for an audience to see a collection of independent visions held together in a powerful and evocative setting.

Award-winning British artist Jonathan Wright’s work is called No Head For Heights and is an homage to the wireless. In 1902 Marconi connected Europe with America by radio, and the world suddenly became a smaller place.

“The significance of long-distance communication still reverberates in our society today. No Head For Heights is an artwork that celebrates this event,” Wright said.

The piece is a “structure of power” reminiscent of an electricity pylon. It supports a text. The text can be read but also transmits. The installation is self-illuminating. The viewer is invited to muse on the word and its relation to the object it rests upon. The solitary beauty of this object reminds us of an industrial landscape, a piece of mysterious technology, buzzing and clicking, oblivious of the dangers created by its existence. Meanwhile the white glowing text casts light upon the viewer.

The aim is to reinvigorate our knowledge and celebrate the enormous significance of Marconi's research and development in the world of telecommunications and to wonder at the continuing ramifications that Marconi's transatlantic transmission made to our modern world – a world that seems to shrink by the hour.

The exhibition runs from March 3-31 at Gloucester Cathedral, College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LR
England. Hours are: Monday to Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. Entry is free, but there may be days when access to certain areas of the cathedral is restricted. See closures diary online at gloucestercathedral.org.uk

All are invited to a day of artist talks on March 3 from 10:30 am to 5:20 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or in advance. For additional information visit www.theopenwest.org.uk.

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Arizona celebration marks state's 100th birthday

“Happy birthday Arizona,” Gov. Jan Brewer shouted from a stage in front of the domed Old Capitol at the start of festivities.

Arizona shed its five-decade status as a U.S. territory when it became the 48th state and the last in the contiguous 48 states on Feb. 14, 1912.

The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp to mark the anniversary of statehood. Based on a painting by Arizona artist Ed Mell, it depicts Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona's red rock formations.

State Historian Marshall Trimble recalled that President William Howard Taft signed the statehood legislation only after Arizona removed a constitutional provision to allow recall of judges.

“See, they started it,” Trimble said, pointing a finger toward the crowd in an obvious imitation of Brewer during her recent airport tarmac encounter with President Barack Obama.

Trimble noted that Arizona restored the recall provision once it became a state.

“That's how we do things here in Arizona,” said Trimble, who was followed to the stage by a Mexican folk dance troop.

Inside the Senate building, a performance by noted violinist Itzhak Perlman and a Mesa school group opened the legislative chamber's session.

Earlier, Janet Jackson Park of Mesa said “it was an absolute honor” to carry a faded 48-star flag from statehood day.

She and her husband, Jeff Park, were among dozens of people who re-enacted a statehood-day walk by Arizona's first state governor from Phoenix's city hall to the Capitol.

“I love the people. I love the environment. I love the desert,” said Jackson Park, who said her parents brought her to Arizona from Colorado as an infant.

“There's all kinds of things to do. I can't say I've ever done anything where people weren't accommodating (and) friendly,” she said during an interview. “It's a great place to live.”

Statehood meant Arizona went from “being ruled to governing ourselves,” said Don Shields, an Arizona Capitol Museum volunteer who plays the character of the state's first governor, George W.P. Hunt.

“I think George would be proud of the fact that the state is so independent,” Shields, who was in period garb, said during an interview after his talk to the crowd.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-WF-02-14-12 2110GMT

Big weekend crowd at Naples Art, Antique, Jewelry Show

NAPLES, Fla. - After an impressive turnout of more than 1,500 guests at the opening-night preview evening and champagne reception on Thursday, the inaugural Naples Art, Jewelry & Antique Show opened its doors on Friday, Feb. 10 to an enthusiastic crowd of art connoisseurs, private collectors and serious buyers who traveled from all over South Florida to attend the event. Today is its fifth and final day.

Taking place in the 40,000 square-foot Naples Exhibition Center -- a luxury, climate-controlled tent -- the show features more than 75 international exhibitors showcasing their extraordinary collections including major works of art, antique and estate jewelry, furniture, porcelain, Asian antiquities, American and European silver, glass, textiles, sculpture, contemporary art and more.

There has been a great turnout so far,” said Albert Levy of A.B. Levy Palm Beach. “The guests are showing a lot of interest in my pieces.”

“After two days, there is a lot of traffic and enthusiasm. We have made some sales and have more to come,” said Greg Kwiat of luxury jewelers Fred Leighton.

“What a great gate!” added Carol Pier of Naples-based Pier & Co. “I am very happy to be making contacts.”

Tim Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques also commented, “We have had quite a few sales and are very happy with the turnout, facility and guests. The Show is fabulous and we are very impressed.”

Several dealers reported strong sales for the first full show day, including Antediluvian, Arader Galleries, J.S. Fearnley, Eve Stone, Only Authentics, Sherry Sheaf & Co., Fred Leighton and Eostone, among others.

Antediluvian sold two rose medallions, a covered tureen and a presentation bowl with ormolu mounts circa 1820. They also sold a Chinese lacquer turtle box circa 1900, a 19th century Irish carved bench seat with Scalamandre fabric and an Alaskan Inuit carved walrus tusk circa 1910, among other sales.

J.S. Fearnley sold an Art Deco Tiffany sapphire and diamond bracelet, a white gold and diamond bracelet by Henry Dunay, and a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels earrings. Eve Stone sold a lot of very interesting French copper. Arader Galleries’ clients have been have been very responsive to Audubons, while Only Authentics sold an Hermès Birkin bag.

Sherry Sheaf & Co. sold a limited-edition VHERNIER Pirouette charity ring. VHERNIER has joined forces with Artists for Peace and Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Haitian children and their families, to create a limited-edition Pirouette ring to support the ongoing efforts to educate the children of St. Luc Street Schools and the Academy for Peace and Justice in Haiti. Over 80% of Haitian youth drop out of school after the 6th grade due to limited educational funding. For each ring purchased, VHERNIER will pledge 100% of the proceeds to APJ to cover the cost of one child for an entire year of school including books, uniforms, food and supplies. With only 1,000 created, this exclusive ring sells for $1,370.

“All we have been hearing from the crowd is how pleased they are that you finally came to Naples,” said Christopher English of Antediluvian.

“There has been a great response to our Charles Martin original artwork and lots of interest in George Nakashima furniture and our Tiffany lamps,” said Arlie Sulka of Lillian Nassau.

Michael Teller of TK Asian Antiquities also commented, “We have met some of the most interesting people we have ever met in 30 years of doing shows. I spent nine hours with one couple and four hours with another couple. These people are knowledgeable, and the exchange of conversation and intelligence is unlike any other. Naples has proven itself in interest and intellect.”

Today's show hours are 11 a.m. to 6 pm. Admission is $15. For additional information, visit www.naplesshow.com.

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