Home and Heart

Antiques & Garden Show Preview Party weaves a wonderful tapestry

As low temperatures chilled the city of Nashville, supporters of Cheekwood braved the cold and ventured out to the Antiques & Garden Show Preview Party. Music City Center’s exhibit space was again transformed into a lovely garden party, as the theme of the 2023 Show, “Home Is the Tapestry of Your Life,” was illustrated through a variety of installations. Standing sentinel at the entrance of the show were a pair of topiary birds — one a peacock with a handsomely crafted tail made entirely of feathers and flip-flops.

Co-chairs Beth Kost and Kathryn Saunders were on hand, graciously visiting with guests as the scent of hyacinths filled the air from the stunning indoor garden at the venue’s entrance. With over 150 art and antiques dealers to see, observers strolled the aisles of the show, enjoying cocktails as they visited with friends. More than a few partygoers were seen making early purchases to get ahead of the over 16,000 attendees anticipated for the show — guests had already started to arrive from neighboring states like North Carolina and Mississippi.

One of the more unique installations was in the West Garden: In collaboration with Christopher Spitzmiller, Martha Stewart created a beautifully designed chicken coop. The design included board-and-batten siding and glass windows — with screens that actually opened! The coop’s design, meant for easy maintenance and cleaning, also keeps fowl safe from predators.

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville is an annual event to raise funds for Cheekwood and for The Economic Club of Nashville (ECON) Charities. Cheekwood — a historic estate that serves as a public botanical garden, arboretum and art museum — is one of Nashville’s brightest gems, offering worldclass art exhibitions, breathtaking gardens and educational public programs for all ages. Likewise, ECON Charities is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by dedicating funds to charitable organizations in the Nashville area.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO