The curtain is down on the 26th Washington Connecticut Antique Show and friends, this was one for the books. What began with a bang – literally, a gas explosion that left us scrambling for a new venue – culminated in a remarkable team effort and sparkling success for the Gunn Library.
With the last-minute move to the Washington Primary School came a fresh challenge – transforming a cinder-block facade and school gym into an upscale showcase for our distinguished artists and antique dealers. Lighting designer Barbara Bouyea worked her magic to turn the trees, driveway and flagpole into a dramatic runway.
To make the institutional exterior more inviting, we wrapped black and white fabric along the facade, adding votives to give it a soft glow:
This year’s event had a Harvest theme and artist Chris Zaima outdid himself, deftly incorporating Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s famous fruit compositions with his gestural trompe l’oeil doorway for a winking evocation of a cornucopia. The striking vertical tabletop is by Davis Raines Design.
Also new this year: a Saturday Collector’s Night party that drew a stylish city crowd to toast our distinguished new and returning vendors and enjoy the jazz stylings of Allegra Levy. It was a lively complement to Friday’s warm, community-filled Preview night, and a treat to see so many friends:
The inimitable Abdo Ballester
With Rod Pleasants, the Show’s Honorary Chair
Phil Gorrivan and Library Trustee Hilary Houldin
Denise Trevenen and Library Director Jean Chapin
Shopping the galleries with Marc Blair and Tal Copen
Of course, this was all prelude to the collections! So many of my favorite vendors participated in this year’s show, it seemed impossible to settle upon a single splurge…
R.T. Facts, Kent, CT
Duane Antiques, NYC
Wilson Henley and Brice Glickman of Duane
..but I did! My jaw dropped at the sight of this luscious tulip sculpture by Matthew Solomon (center):
Despite the early drama, the weekend went off almost flawlessly – a testament to our fantastic committee. To each of you who designed, exhibited, supported and celebrated – HUGE thanks!
Images 1, 3, 5. 7-12 and 17 by richpomerantz.com, all others by John Long
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