NEW YORK, NY, December, 2010 –Tin, the traditional gift for a 10th wedding anniversary, is known for its soft material that is said to represent the flexible, yet durable qualities of an enduring relationship. So, it is timely, indeed, that fanciful tin objects will be exhibited among an array of “best of” Americana at the opening night gala for the American Antiques Show (TAAS), which will, coincidentally, be celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The gala, a benefit for the American Folk Art Museum, will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 (Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18^th Street, 5:30pm – 9:30pm)

Recognized as one of the most important Americana and folk art fairs in the country, the show takes place during Americana Week in New York City. The gala evening provides a key opportunity to preview the folk art, Americana, and decorative arts before they go on public display the next day -- from January 20 to 23. At the gala preview, The American Antiques Show is pleased to honor the state of Virginia as part of its annual celebration of the 50 United States of America.

This eagerly anticipated American Antique Show is the major winter fundraising event for the museum, and all proceeds from the opening night, daily show admission, and related activities benefit the museum’s exhibition and educational programs.

The show features 300 years of great American designs, including folk art, furniture, fine and decorative arts, American arts and crafts, and American Indian art.  It is known for its distinguished roster of all-American dealers who consistently receive accolades for bringing objects of history, design, imagination, and surprise, the "Best of America," to the show.

Set in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, the show’s 41 dealers will exhibit a broad range of fresh material from the 18th to the 20th centuries that appeals to seasoned and novice collectors, curators, and interior designers. Noted for the consistently high level of exceptional antiques, this year’s show will also feature fine objects that are affordably priced.  

The rich mix of Americana and American folk art on view includes handsome 18th century furniture; striking folk paintings; anniversary tin; dynamic sculpture (such as decoys, weathervanes, trade signs and show figures, carousel animals, 20th century three-dimensional objects); textiles (schoolgirl needlework, samplers, quilts, and rugs); American Indian material; Shaker furniture; game boards; tramp art; toys; jewelry; idiosyncratic works of art; and decorative art such as silver, glass, and Tiffany lamps.

 Four new dealers complement the returning exhibitors and add a further sense of discovery and renewed vigor to the collecting areas that visitors to this show enjoy:

·         Andrew Edlin Gallery, NYC

Outsider and Contemporary Art
Galerie St. Etienne, NYC

Austrian and German Expressionism, Self-Taught and "Outsider" Art, and Sue Coe

·         Leatherwood, Sandwich, MA

Child's Mugs and Plates, Nautical and Woolies, and Unusual and Whimsical Objects

·         Outsider Folk Art Gallery, Reading, PA

18th-20th Century Folk Art, with an Emphasis on Sculptural Objects, Contemporary Self-Taught, and Outsider Art

The museum presents an extensive Educational Series to enhance the visitor’s perception and enjoyment of the objects on view at the show.   The educational events series is offered to the public as an extension of the museum's mission to spread the knowledge and appreciation of folk art.  Attendees will learn firsthand from museum experts about material displayed by the top dealers in their field.

A Preview Walking Tour of the Show with Stacy C. Hollander

Thursday January 20, 9:30-10:45 am

$80 general, $65 members, seniors, and students, includes a light breakfast

A tour of TAAS highlights before the show opens to the general public, led by the museum’s senior curator.

Insider’s Day of Art and Antiques: Exclusive Tours and Private Collections

Friday, January 21, 9:30 am

$135 museum members only

A daylong excursion including a private home collection visit, an insider’s view of TAAS with curator emerita Lee Kogan, and more.

 What Is It? What Is It Worth? Appraisal Day

Saturday, January 22, 9:30 - 11 am,

$45 general, $40 members, seniors, and students, includes a light breakfast

2-for-1 special! Bring a friend and learn about your treasures.

An opportunity for show visitors to learn what their objects are worth, featuring renowned experts Helaine Fendelman, David Gallager, and Jane Willis.

deSIGNers Book Signings

Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22

11 am - 5 pm

Meet interior designers and authors of the best new books on design and decorating.

Sherrill Canet A La Carte: The Elements of an Elegant Home

William Diamond and Anthony Baratta  All-American: The Exuberant Style of William Diamond and Anthony Baratta

Diane McManus Jensen  The Art of Collecting

Susan Mulcahy  Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block

Scott Sanders  Picture Perfect: Designing the New American Family Home

Solis Betancourt & Sherrill  Essential Elegance: The Interiors of
SolÃs Betancourt

Matthew White Italy of My Dreams

Vincente Wolf  Photographs of Myself and Others: the Vincente Wolf Collection

TAAS Leadership

Event cochairs are Barry D. Briskin, Joan M. Johnson, and Elizabeth V. Warren. Executive chairs are Barry D. Briskin, Lucy and Mike Danziger, Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, Joan and Victor Johnson, Petra and Stephen Levin, Laura and Richard Parsons, Francesca Petrucci and Stephen Corelli, Patricia and Juan Ruiz, and Elizabeth and Irwin Warren. Chair, Interior Designersí Committee is Miles Redd.

TAAS 2011 salutes its Virginia Committee of Honor whose members include Lynda Johnson Robb Nancy and Colin G. Campbell, Ralph Harvard, Charlotte Moss, Lynda Johnson Robb, Michael Sisk, Bunny Williams and John Rosselli (list in formation).  This intrepid group will be active at the opening night gala and then participate in a number of activities especially designed for them during the weekend.

Show manager is Karen DiSaia and the Show Executive Director is
Caroline Kerrigan Lerch.

Gala Benefit Preview Ticket Information:

 

Fame Angel

5:30-9:30 pm

$2,500 per person

Includes early entrance to the preview at 5:30 pm, a VIP pass for select TAAS Educational Series events, unlimited readmission, priority coat check, show catalog, and a very exclusive special collection visit.

Platinum Angel

5:30-9:30 pm

$1,000 per person

Includes early entrance to the preview at 5:30 pm, a VIP pass for select TAAS Educational Series events, unlimited readmission, priority coat check, and show catalog

Gold Angel

6:30-9:30 pm

$500 per person

Includes entrance to the preview at 6:30 pm, unlimited readmission,
and show catalog

Silver Angel

7:30-9:30 pm

$375 per person

Includes entrance to the preview at 7:30 pm, unlimited readmission,
and show catalog

Daily Ticket Information:

Daily admission to The American Antiques Show is $20 and includes a show catalog and 2-for-1 admission ticket to visit the American Folk Art Museum, 45 West 53 Street. A cafÈ will be open during show hours. A free shuttle bus will run daily between the Metropolitan Pavilion and the American Folk Art Museum.

Show Dates and Hours:  

Thursday, January 20, 11 am - 8 pm

Friday, January 21, 11 am - 8 pm

Saturday, January 22, 11 am - 7 pm

Sunday, January 23, 12 noon - 5 pm