Litchfield County Antiques and Mid-Century Show Gala Preview Party

Late afternoon thunderstorms failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 350 revelers who sipped champagne, nibbled on oysters and spring rolls, listened to piano music, and hunted for treasures at the Litchfield County Antiques and Mid-Century Show Gala Preview Party on Friday, June 22 in Kent.

Some of the interesting items at the Gala included an oversized carved Noah’s Ark with whimsical penguins, tigers, ostriches, and turtles from Yew Tree House Antiques in NYC, a framed 19th century Abraham Lincoln Memorial Banner with a dramatic portrait image from Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques in York, PA, and a quirky hand painted British owl mug from Terra Mare Antiques in Sharon, CT.

Tom Sebring, who has chaired the Gala for the past 15 years, noted that this year’s event included 20 new exhibitors. “I love the fact that we can keep it fresh,” he said.

Retail pioneer and noted philanthropist Lillian Vernon, one of the evening's honorees, said of the event, “I just love the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity to go into Americana with some gorgeous paintings at really affordable prices." Fashion luminary Polly Allen Mellen, known for her career that spans more than forty years, was honored for her contributions to fashion and lifestyle. Interior design guru and author of 'Living Traditions', Mathew Patrick Smyth, was also honored for his career achievements.

The author table was busy as Gala participants had books signed by Annie Kelly, whose works include 'Litchfield Style' and 'Rooms to Inspire By the Sea', and Florence de Dampierre, author of 'Walls: The Best of Decorative Treatments' and 'The Best of Painted Furniture'. Kelly gushed, “This is a wonderful event!” de Dampierre concurred, “This is such a lovely evening. The dealers are such a great group of people, so knowledgeable and interesting.”

Nula Thanhauser offered a dazzling array of vintage purses, sparkling earrings, pillbox hats, textured scarves, and mod umbrellas at her booth. A whimsical beehive hat by Chicago hat maker Benjamin Green-Field’s Bes-Ben hats prompted one customer to remark, “That is definitely a Kate Middleton hat.” Thanhauser said, “How could you not enjoy this Gala? It’s so civilized and the crowd is very knowledgeable. I love coming back year after year.”

Scott and Bowne Fine Art and Furnishings from Kent, CT highlighted a David Barrett tree trunk table with a detachable branched vase for serving chilled wine or holding flowers. Owner John Koch said he first attended the Gala as a pedestrian and was thrilled to participate as a vendor this year. “I opened my dream store in Kent last year and I jumped on the opportunity to represent mid-century fare at the Antiques and Mid-Century Show,” he said.

Mara Fizdale of Sharon, CT, took a moment from examining a penguin cigar cutter at Terra Mare Antiques. “This is just the best evening of the whole year,” she said. “The dealers are so fabulous. I always leave with two or three wonderful finds.”

The event is a major source of funding for Greenwoods Counseling Referrals, which provides essential referral services to people in the region who are in need of emotional, financial and legal counseling. Greenwoods services are free of charge to anyone living or working in Litchfield County.

Vicki Kinsella, clinical services coordinator for Greenwoods, said she was thrilled with the turnout for the Gala. “I love this event. It really helps fund us throughout the year.” She noted that Greenwoods handled some 600 calls and referrals in the past year.

The show itself, managed by the Antiques Council, boasts some of the nation’s finest antiques dealers specializing in American, British, French and Asian antiques, as well as pieces from the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Mid-Century design movements.