ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: FRIDAY MAY 15, 2009

Ohio Auction House Hosts Third Annual Regional Event

Delaware, Ohio, historian Frederick Jackson Turner once said, “The Ohio Valley has not only a local history worthy of study, a rich heritage to its people, but it has also been an independent and powerful force in shaping the development of the nation.” This spring, history buffs and those who admire the regional artistry of the Ohio Valley will once again have an opportunity to celebrate its rich heritage at the third annual Ohio Valley Auction, hosted by Garth's Auctions on May 23. Founded in 1954, Garth's is Ohio's oldest premier auction house, and it has the reputation, experience, and enthusiasm needed to leverage such a sale.

"When Andy Richmond came to us with the suggestion of an annual event focusing on our region, we were immediately intrigued," explains Jeff Jeffers, President of Garth's. "For many of us, this region in particular is our passion - our contextual connection to American antiques. What a great opportunity to share that enthusiasm and expertise with the world. After little discussion, it was a no-brainer to make this type of sale an annual event."

The first two Ohio Valley Auctions have been very well-received, garnering more than 1,500 bidders per auction - with objects from over 300 consignors. "This auction is an unparalleled venue for one object or a collection," continues Jeffers. "We have consignors who have been reluctant to part with a particular piece until this auction came along. Now, to have it featured alongside other quality objects from the same region; it just gets them excited."

Museums and historical societies have embraced the event,† as have consignors, buyers and beneficiaries. "Last year, a handful of the lots from the Ohio Valley auction sold to buyers who ultimately donated them to area institutions. It was a great feeling to assist them in their efforts," says Jeffers. One item to which Jeffers refers is the Elijah Pierce barber chair, lot 82 in the 2008 sale. Pierce, a well-known folk carver, operated a barber shop in downtown Columbus. The chair sold for $10,575 and was subsequently donated, along with Pierce's trade sign (lot 83) to the Columbus Museum of Art for their permanent collection. "The chair really could not have been sold anywhere else," says Jeffers. "Garth's has a successful history with Pierce works, holding the record with a carved plaque, titled Slavery Time, which sold for $74,750. We had fun selling the chair, and coordinating the donation on behalf of the seller. It was very rewarding - and truly in the spirit of the Ohio Valley event."

When asked to identify his favorite item from the first two Ohio Valley auctions, Andy Richmond, consignment representative and catalog author for Garth's, is torn. "It would have to be either the General Green Clay horn cup from 2008 ($38,775) or the painting of the Ohio River at Parkersburg from 2007 which sold for $37,775. The cup has such a rich history and story while the painting is very compelling. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words - it is a great depiction of the dichotomy of the expansion of America."

In addition to offerings originating from the region, Garth's has incorporated an educational event into the Ohio Valley Auctions. This year's lecture, given by Scott Erbes, Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, will highlight portions of their Kentucky collection, including the recently acquired Bob and Norma Noe Collection, as well as a demonstration of the Kentucky Online Arts Resource. Accompanied by a wine and cheese preview on Sunday, May 17, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., the lecture is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Keeping with the Ohio Valley theme, Garth's will serve wines from Kinkead Ridge Winery, located on the Ohio River, and desserts from Loralie's Baking Co., located in central Ohio.

When determining which items to include in the session, Jeffers and Richmond (along with other members of Garth's staff) consider many factors. "Value is not really a determining factor," comments Jeffers. "As important to us as high-dollar items is the representation of the region and its artistry. Is it in the spirit of the Ohio Valley - either antique and historical, or modern and current?" Of the offerings in the 2009 auction, one that represents the 19th Century decorative arts is a stenciled coverlet, made by Clarinda Griffin and her daughter, Fedelia Griffin Wagar, in Copley, Ohio - part of The Western Reserve. The coverlet has passed down through the family to its current owner, the great-great granddaughter of Fedelia. "Items continue to come in weekly," says Jeffers. "Half of the fun is taking calls from folks who have something they think is right for the auction. It is like Christmas every day!"

This year's third annual Ohio Valley Auction will take place on May 23. Preview hours, in addition to the May 17 special reception and lecture, will be held May 18 through May 21 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and an extended preview will be open May 22 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The sale will commence on Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m., with the gallery opening at 9 a.m. for final preview. A illustrated color catalogue is available for $30, and in Garth's effort to promote an eco-friendly alternative, the entire catalogue is available for review on the company's Web site, www.garths.com. Garth's is located at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015. For additional information, contact Garth's Auctions at 740-362-4771 or via e-mail at info@garths.com.