Melvin Arion’s Original 164th Semi-Annual York Antiques Show and Sale escaped the worst of the winter weather and successfully ran Jan. 30, 31, and Feb. 1.
The first show of 2015 for many dealers, Arion’s show was packed with an array of colorful Americana, which pictures can only begin to capture. Held two times a year, this show has solidified itself as where to go to for the best selection in antiques in the Mid-Atlantic region. The range of offerings is vast, including quality ceramics such as china and redware, glassware, textiles, woodenware, baskets, prints, silver, and country and formal furniture, just to name a few things. Several very good antique jewelry dealers exhibit at Arion’s show, too.
“(Arion) brought in a really good crowd all three days,” said dealer Jim Emele.
Arion elaborated, “We had a really good show with great attendance on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the attendance was a bit off, but the ones that came in on Sunday did a good amount of buying, so I was pleased. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Dealer Art Booth reported that a retired museum curator turned collector from Houston, Texas, flew to the show and purchased a piece of New Jersey redware after a follow-up call. This indicates that the event continues to be a show where exhibitors can make contacts and nurture their customer base. Several dealers noted sectors of the business seem to have reached an uptick, while many areas continue to experience a downturn.
The largest of the two shows conducted on the York Fairgrounds, Arion’s show had 96 dealers. Several fill-ins were needed, however, due to health issues and other reasons. Greg Kramer took over Raccoon Creek’s former booth as well as his typical spot right inside the main door. Steve Still took Kelly Kinzle’s large booth because Kinzle was exhibiting at the Winter Antiques Show in Manhattan. Kinzle will be back for the fall show, and Still will take over the spot where Raccoon Creek once was, as the latter will not be returning. Merrimacport, Mass., dealer Colette Donovan was in the booth long occupied by Harry Hartman and Oliver Overlander. The show was dedicated to long-time exhibiting dealer Harry B. Hartman, who passed away Jan. 3 at the age of 84. Hartman was an admired and loved Pennsylvania dealer who always bought from fellow dealers and also brought customers to the show. “Harry will always be missed. He was my friend for 52 years,” said Arion.
The end of January is always a risky time to hold a show due to unpredictable weather. Many dealers, especially from New England, made the trip a day or two early because of the major storm that hit the Northeast, adding to their expenses. Many stayed a day longer as well. York itself escaped the winter weather.
“I had a great show,” stated Michael Whittemore. “What I brought worked, and I think that is important. I want to appeal to an eclectic range of buyers.” Among the Florida dealer’s sales were four weathervanes, including a horse and rider; a corner cupboard; a fish market sign; a carousel horse; a garden bench; a pair of urns; and smalls.
An outstanding booth was put together by Bailey Island, Maine, dealers Jim and Nancy Glazer, who have not exhibited in York for several years. “It was a pleasure to work with them. I know they sold a very good Windsor chair and an excellent grandfather clock,” said Arion.
York used to host six antique shows a year. Now, there are only four. While some dealers question if the market can support it, Bob Bockius’s two-day show in the spring and fall and Arion’s three-day show in September are charging forward in 2015.
The fall dates for the 165th Semi-Annual York Antiques Show and Sale will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 25, 26, and 27.
For additional information, call Arion at 302-875-5326 or visit www.theoriginalyorkantiquesshow.com.