Susan Kramer Hunkins hosted Heart of Country Antiques Show February 2‴ at Gaylord Opryland USA Resort on the east side of Nashville with an increase of about 20 percent in exhibiting dealers and visitors over last year.
According to Hunkins, “The show has been regaining its former strength as one of the premier antiques events.” This year’s show presented more than 70 exhibitors, she added, “and that was even with other shows in the East competing for dealers.”
Harold Cole and Bettina Krainin, Woodbury, Conn., dealers, were front and center again this year as they have been nearly every year since the show began a generation ago under the direction of Hunkins’ parents, Libby and Richard Kramer. Vermonter Richard Fuller brought New England furniture and accessories; Texas dealer O’Neill Leonard came with a country collection. Dealers from Maine included Bill Kelly with furniture and David White with nautical antiques.
Among the many southern exhibitors, Jay and Carole Harper were showing an early hunt board from their native North Carolina. Bettianne Sweeney, the Williamsburg Va., dealer and antiques show promoter, was offering an early Virginia pie safe with original pierced tins and in excellent condition. Her sales included a small Virginia cupboard, a saw buck table, several hooked rugs and paintings.
Next year’s Heart of Country will be February 16‱8. For information, www.heartofcountry.com or 314-962-8580.
