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GANG BY KATHERINE WYRICK
Glass Act BY KATHERINE WYRICK
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f you think that the Arkansas Glasshoppers are a bunch of doddering grannies, you’ve obviously never been to one of their functions. According to Glasshopper lore, the group once set a table on fire at Cajun’s Wharf during one of their more raucous Christmas parties. Glass enthusiast and club member Peggy Seamon laughs, “Luckily, we all had glasses of water and put it out instantly so they let us come back!” Founded in 1985, this nonprofit group is poised to celebrate their 25th
anniversary in grand style (and without threat of fire). The 25th Annual Depression Era Glass Show and Sale will take place in the Hall of Industry at the State Fairgrounds, on Saturday, February 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for both days, and free parking is available. Seamon says that this year they will display collections from club members at the library branch in Bryant and the Fletcher Library in Little Rock. “The Arkansas Arts Center has also kindly agreed to place the Bob Batty collection of EAPG (Early American Pressed Glass) at the Terry Mansion during the weekend of the show,” she says. “This collection contains about 2,800 pieces of glass and has not been displayed for about 18 years. The Arkansas Historic Museum will also have a glass display during the show weekend.” For those not in the know, Depression glass is a term used for tableware items made from machinepressed glass during the ’20 and ’40s. It was produced in a variety of colors, shapes and patterns by over 20 companies, most in the central and eastern United States (including Arkansas).
The Arkansas Glasshoppers, Inc. meet at the Fletcher Library on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, visit: http://www.facebook.com /pages/ArkansasGlasshoppers-Inc/ 115016871880571
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here’s something so alluring about heavy metal. I just love something with a little heft—which is why I adore these necklaces. First up, the high-end variety from jewelry designer Amanda Sterett (A). This three stranded chunky necklace made of substantial 14k gold plated chains is finished off with a handwrapped 14k gold-filled chain. Find at B. Barnett. (It’s also featured on their blog this week.) The other three necklaces are more my speed and more affordable. The necklace with the dangling handcuffs (B) was fashioned by budding jewelry designer and all-around stylish gal-about-town Charis Cook. She scored the chains at Banana Republic and then, in an inspired move, attached mini handcuffs taken from a keychain found at an estate sale. Genius! Also from estate sales, these two arresting vintage necklaces (C) picked up at two different sales within the same week—and for only two bucks a pop! (Thank you, Pennsylvania Trading Co. and Roy Dudley.) Paired together they add extra edge to any outfit. This gorgeous tribal necklace (D) from Angel Court can be found at Box Turtle.
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For more information on the 25th annual show and sale contact: (501) 868-4969, bgmarglass@sbcglobal.net, rpnsea@aol.com
B During the Great Depression, a complete table setting could be purchased for two or three dollars at dime stores and by mail order; pieces also came free with boxes of oatmeal and other household items. Seamon explains, “Sometimes people don’t realize that besides the glass that came as premiums in flour and oats and at gas stations, Depression glass also includes elegant glassware like Fostoria and Heisey, and also pottery such as Niloak, Camark, Frankoma, Roseville, McCoy, and many others.” All of which will be on display at the upcoming show. For today’s central Arkansas collector, Seamon says that options abound. She suggests the I-40 Antique Mall, Crystal Hill Antique Mall, Midtown Antique Mall and Fabulous Finds—and, of course, the big event this month.
32 FEBRUARY 16, 2011 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
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