Ralph DiSaia and show manager Diana Bittel.
:From the moment the dramatic nine-peak tent was erected in the field behind Bartlett's Farm on Nantucket Island, anticipation was building to see what the show would look like when the double French doors opened. When guests arrived at the preview party Thursday evening, July 30, they were treated to an antiques show that not only met, but exceeded, their expectations.
According to Diana Bittel, the show liaison for the Antiques Council, "The gate was up for the preview party and all three days. Even a beach day on Saturday did not keep people away. The Nantucket Historical Association [NHA] was very pleased with the new location and the overall look of the show. With generous, wide aisles and a circular layout that was easy to navigate, plus a highly efficient air-conditioning system, customers were encouraged to linger and to buy. One customer remarked that 'The Winter Antiques Show had come to Nantucket.'"
John Suval of Phillip Suval Antiques felt "a real excitement and buzz. It feels like old times and that has to be good for the country."
Judd Gregory, Dorset, Vt.
According to Marty Shapiro of Finnegan Gallery, one couple came to the farm to buy milk, saw the tent, came into the show and ended up buying a wrought iron bench that is being shipped to New Jersey.
Judy Watson of King-Thomasson Antiques said, "I was pleasantly surprised at the level of enthusiasm; there was great energy on the floor and we had good sales and talked to a lot of people."
Teresa Puckett of Charles Puckett Antiques loved the new tent. "The show was fabulous, everyone had something positive to say, the primary interest in our booth was in maps."
The show was conducted in a large specially erected tent that was powered with a wind turbine.
John Sylvia was pleased to see a great turnout of old, as well as new, customers. George Allen of Raccoon Creek was impressed with the show, as well as the customers. "We both love the show, the intelligence of the audience, their knowledge of the material, the size of the booths and the aisles, the air-conditioning, the parking all worked together."
Danielle Millican focused on the "green" aspect of the show since the electricity in the tent was powered by a giant wind turbine that rose majestically above it. "What could be greener than to buy antiques — a form of recycling — in a tent powered by a giant wind turbine?"
Leatherwood Antiques, Sandwich, Mass.
Janet Sherlund, president of the NHA, which benefits from the show, was thrilled with the success on every level. "The new venue has been fantastic, it was a shot in the arm for the NHA. People will be talking about it for some time and will be eagerly anticipating next year's show."
For NHA information, 508-228-1894 or
www.nha.org.
For information on the Antiques Council, 413-436-7064 or
www.antiquescouncil.com.
