Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Weekend show on tap for antique, art lovers

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
Published October 12, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - Find out what Aunt Betsy's vase is worth this weekend at the Sunshine City Antiques and Collectibles Show.

It will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. Antique furniture, art, porcelain, pottery, glass, silver, vintage clothing, toys and jewelry will be part of the show. A certified appraiser will be present.

A large collection of Florida Highwaymen art is available for sale. The art will be on the Coliseum stage. The Highwaymen were African-American artists who started painting Florida landscapes in the 1950s.

Most galleries did not showcase the work of black artists at the time, so the Highwaymen, one of whom was a woman, sold their work along Florida highways from the trunks of their cars. Their unique depictions of Florida sunsets, waterscapes and marshes in bright colors were often done on wood or hardboard.

The show, organized by Susan Farias and her husband, Rui, of Pair of Pirates Promotions in St. Petersburg, was first held in January. More than 3,000 people attended, said Susan Farias, who has been in the antique business for about five or six years.

Farias said she and her husband decided to organize the event because no antiques show had been held in St. Petersburg for at least a decade. Over 60 dealers will participate in this weekend's show, she said.

A reception will be held Friday night to benefit the St. Petersburg Museum of History, which will have an exhibit at the show. The evening also will offer an opportunity for early buying.

Appraisals will be done by Kennedy Brothers Appraisals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost will be $5 for each item.

The show will run 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Friday's admission is $10. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $5. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is free.

[Last modified October 12, 2005, 00:19:18]