Antiques + Modernism Show comes to Winnetka this weekend

You don’t have to be an interior designer or collector to appreciate the diverse displays of treasures for viewing and for sale at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show, Nov. 3-5, at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka.

More than 40 carefully chosen dealers will be bringing unique pieces to the event to entice lovers of authentic antiques and modern furnishings at this 51st annual event.

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Admission to the show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, costs $15 in advance for a three-day admission; $20 at the door.

Those wanting to have their pick of treasures before the show opens can attend a preview party, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. for $150 in advance and $175 at the door, in addition to early viewing of the displays, visitors will be treated to food and drinks, catered by Northern Fork. There will be four food stations scattered throughout the Community House, three bars, and music.

This is the first year that Kathryn Kish has served as co-chair of the event which is presented by the Women’s Board of Winnetka Community House. Previously, she was treasurer for eight years.

“The Women’s Board is a very cohesive group of women that are very dedicated to creating events that can do fundraising for the Community House,” Kish said. “The Antiques + Modernism Show is a particular favorite of mine. It is fun to see all the different dealers. Every year there’s the regulars and there’s new ones.”

Kish said she always enjoy viewing the items that the dealers bring to the show and hearing the history behind each piece. “The dealers are very knowledgeable,” she explained.

Dealers are chosen by the Antiques Council, a professional association of antique dealers noted for maintaining the highest standards of merchandise, expertise, and integrity among its members.

Kish praised the beauty of the event, saying “The Community House is truly transformed. We have flowers and décor and lights, and all the dealers shine.”

She added that the preview party, which was sold out last year, “turns into a girls’ night out. Everyone’s dressed up and it’s festive.”

This is the second year that dealer Melissa Carter, owner of Kameo Vintage, has participated in the show.

“It really has a great lineup of dealers from all across the globe,” she said.

Carter is enthusiastic about the items that will be in her display.

“I will be bringing really fun vintage clothing items,” she said. “Not only are they going to be vintage but they’re going to be pre-owned, highly coveted pieces that are in need of being rehomed.”

She will also be bringing a wide assortment of other items, many from her travels across the country and overseas. She often collects stories of the history of those pieces in addition to the items.

“I think jewelry is something really, really great to look at for the holidays and beyond,” Carter explained. “We’re going to have a heavy focus on vintage outerwear. That includes leather, fur, as well as really, really great gold vintage vests. Our other focus is going to be a strong sweater category.”

Carter concluded, “We are excited to bring some really heavy-hitting names and avant-garde labels from the past.”

One highlight of the event is a presentation at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3 called “Shop the Show with J. Michael Flanigan,” featuring the nationally renowned dealer and appraiser, who has appeared on the “Antiques Roadshow” PBS television series since it began in 1996.

Prior to the opening of the show, Flanigan spends a day doing a walk-through.

“I’m there to help enforce the standards of the show,” said Flanigan, who is hired by the Antiques Council. “We’re looking to make sure that everything is labeled as it should be so that when people come in and look at the objects they understand what is being offered and that they can have the confidence to buy without reserve.”

Flanigan shares his expertise with people who register for his fascinating “Shop the Show” event.

“The fun thing is that you ask people beforehand, ‘Is there anything in particular that you like?'” Flanigan said. “As we go through the various booths, I know what to point out in terms of their various interests.”

Flanigan will also direct them to items that are particularly unique. That might include items that “you mainly see at The Art Institute instead of a dealer’s booth,” he said. “When you look at an entire show, there’s hundreds, if not thousands, of objects on display. What I’m there to do is give people a little focus. A good antique show and a design show like this is like a museum that you can touch. And you can take the objects home.”

“Shop the Show with J. Michael Flanigan” costs $50, which includes coffee, pastries, and 3-day admission to the show.

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For more information about the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show, call 847-446-0537 or visit thewinnetkashow.com.

Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.