2c

Robert Gilmor, Jr (American, 1774–1848) after Thomas Doughty (American, 1793–1856), “Untitled (Gilpin’s Mill),” 1806, watercolor on paper, Gibbes Museum purchase from Mrs Ladson W. Wilson.

CHARLESTON ART, ANTIQUES FORUM ANTIQUE WEEK MARCH 14-18, 1 CUT

AVV 1-25 #685955

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum announces the program for its tenth season, March 14–18, with individual tickets as well as packages now on sale.

Presented in partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art, the 2007 forum, “Celebrating American Masterpieces: Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Fine and Decorative Arts,” launches Charleston’s Antiques Week.

The forum opens March 14 with the keynote address by Wendell D. Garrett, editor-at-large of The Magazine Antiques and senior vice president at Sotheby’s New York. The schedule continues with a series of lectures by experts from major museums, historic properties and private collections; the opportunity to view fine paintings, furniture, silver, porcelain, and memorabilia; receptions in landmark buildings; and, to conclude on March 18, a special tour of the Low Country and brunch in a historic home.

“Charleston, one of America’s most historic and vibrant cities, is the perfect venue to present nationally recognized experts in the fine and decorative arts fields,” said Jean Y. Helms, chair of The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum. “The best in scholarship, coupled with warm Southern hospitality and other Antiques Week offerings, makes Charleston ‘the place to be’ in March for collectors, scholars and all who are interested in learning.”

“Celebrating American Masterpieces,” complements two special exhibitions on view at the Gibbes Museum of Art: “Southern Masterpieces: Charleston before 1835” showcases Charleston furniture, paintings and objects from private and public collections, while “Grandeur Saved: Photographs of the Aiken-Rhett House by Michael Eastman” highlights the importance of historic preservation through large-scale photographs of the Aiken-Rhett House, the most intact antebellum townhouse complex in Charleston.

“As partnering organizations, the Gibbes and the Art & Antiques Forum are able to reinforce each other’s programming,” according to Todd Smith, Gibbes executive director. “Objects exhibited in the museum are illuminated by the newest research into their historical and cultural context, which then deepens appreciation for these wonderful works, their makers and their provenance.”

Featured forum presenters include Carrie Rebora Barratt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City; Luke Beckerdite, editor, American Furniture, Williamsburg, Va.; Michael K. Brown, Bayou Bend Collection, Houston, Texas; Charles H.P. Duell, Middleton Place Foundation, Charleston, S.C.; Michael Eastman, photographer, St Louis, Mo.; Stuart P. Feld, Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc, New York City; Ralph Harvard III, antiquarian, New York City; Eleanor Harvey, The National Museum of Art, Washington, D.C.; Dr Henry C. Landon III, collector, North Wilkesboro, N.C.; J. Thomas Savage, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, Winterthur, Del.; Carol Huber, Stephen & Carol Huber Antiques Samplers, Old Saybrook, Conn.; Todd D. Smith, Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, S.C.; and Stephanie E. Yuhl, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass.

A group of volunteers organizes the forum, which maintains its focus on scholarship by designating all 2007 proceeds to benefit education and outreach programs at the Gibbes Museum of Art.

Ticket packages are now available. For more information, The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum, c/o Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401; www.charlestonantiquesforum.org or 843-722-2706, extension 25.