Virtual Happenings: A New Exhibit, Tour, Classes from the Stickley Museum and a Chance to Get Your Items Appraised Online
by Kate Nixon
This article has been edited to reflect new information regarding Skinner Auctioneers’ Virtual First Tuesday on June 2nd.
This Saturday holds plenty in store for members of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms: their second virtual Farms Afield event features a tour of Michigan’s own Smith House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright AND the kickoff of their new virtual exhibit later than evening, showing the museum’s own collection of rare green ash furniture. If that wasn’t exciting enough, the announcement of a new series of online classes was announced starting next month, “Icons of 20th Century Design.” Also, for those of you who need the service of an appraisal expert but don’t know where to start? The folks at Skinner, Inc. can help with their monthly Virtual First Tuesdays, a free evaluation day where collectors can send in images and descriptions of their beloved items for help in determining a value. Read below for more on these upcoming virtual events — and first we check in with an update from the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.
Virtual Farms Afield: Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s Smith House
Saturday, May 30th, 2:30-4:00 p.m. EST
May 30 will be a busy day for the Stickley Museum! Earlier in the day, before the new exhibition opens, museum members are invited to a Farms Afield virtual tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Smith House provided by guides Greg Wittkopp, Director, and Kevin Adkisson, Curatorial Associate, of the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
“This Usonian home is wonderful and it has a remarkable story,” said Executive Director Vonda Givens. “When we first thought about doing virtual tours, it was one of the first places that came to mind. I was thrilled when Greg and Kevin agreed to share it in this way.”
Museum members are encouraged to click here and RSVP as soon as possible.
Not a member? You’re invited to become a member. Click here to join, feel good about helping the museum through a difficult time , and be part of special programs like Virtual Farms Afield.
New Exhibit – Things Wrought by The United Crafts: An Expression of Modern Life
Starting Saturday, May 30th, 2020 running through January 3rd, 2021
Online Reception: Saturday, May 30 at 5:30 EST open to museum members
Library Table (no. 415), ca. 1901-02 will be featured in the Things Wrought exhibition.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms’ 2020 exhibition, Things Wrought by the United Crafts: An Expression of Modern Life, which focuses on a 2018 gift to the museum of 19 pieces of rare green ash furniture, will open as scheduled on Saturday, May 30, as an online exhibition until the museum can open it safely onsite. Curated by Jonathan Clancy, the museum’s Director of Collections and Preservation, the exhibition will highlight new insights into this collection along with Clancy’s new research on Stickley’s early factory.
While providing detailed information about each object, the exhibition also will explore a wide range of topics, from Stickley’s legacy as a “modern” designer, to his early factory’s design and production process. “It’s fascinating reading! I have especially enjoyed learning more about the people who worked for Stickley, in every capacity, from laborer to designer,” said Givens. “I expect that Arts and Crafts fans will want to ‘bookmark’ the exhibition so that they come back to it and discover new information with each visit.”
The exhibition will include a virtual “Opening Reception” on Saturday, May 30 at 5:30 EST. Open to museum members, who can RSVP here, this Zoom program will feature an overview of the exhibition, provided by Clancy, with highlights from his wide-ranging research in preparation for the opening.
Not a member? You’re invited to become a member. Click here to join, feel good about helping the museum through a difficult time , and be part of special programs like the exhibition opening.
New Series: Icons of 20th Century Design
Saturdays, starting on June 6th.
See the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms website for schedule.
Curator Jonathan Clancy examining a footstool from the museum’s rare green ash collection.
On the heels of its successful “Living the Simple Life” class, the museum is launching a new 3-part series, “Icons of 20th Century Design.” Led once again by instructor Jonathan Clancy, this series will take special focus on the European design in 1900 and devote full sessions to Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School.
For more information, head to www.stickeymuseum.org.
Virtual First Tuesday: Appraisal Day by Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers
June 2nd, 2020. 1:30 – 4:00 PM EST
You too can find out the value of your objects from your home! While Marlborough Galleries are not yet open to host the general public on June 2, the appraisal department at Skinner Auctioneers are here to help. All Skinner specialists from all departments will be on hand from 1:30PM – 4PM to evaluate items via email. Contact us with your auction evaluation requests at [email protected] and they will answer them in as “real time” as they can.
Cell phone photos are acceptable. It’s preferable to send shots of:
- the entire piece
- close-ups of any maker’s marks
- close-ups of any condition issues
Multiple items are fine, however, separate submissions for each are encouraged just in case we have to parse out across multiple departments. There is a limit of 3 objects per person. Please include a brief description of what they believe the piece to be and any provenance (from family lore to a copy of an invoice).
For more information, visit https://www.skinnerinc.com/news/blog/virtual-first-tuesday-june-2/
Do you know of an upcoming event or is your organization holding an online event? We want to hear about it! Send it to [email protected]!