Silver Bonsai Gallery
upfront soundcheck getactive
Crafting Unique Jewelry that is Turn of the Century Style with a Modern Sensibility
startingpoint roadmap gokite
Located at 905 South Hwy 64, Manteo , NC 252-475-1413 www.silverbonsai.com
?
milepost Royal portrait paints new possibilities for Elizabethan Gardens
profit. As boardmember Judy Barnes states at the show’s beginning: “If the portrait turns out to be authentic, it will provide an endowment for this place. It will save the Elizabethan Gardens.”
It feels like watching a football game. A real English football game. Except instead of soccer hooligans hogging the telly, it’s silverhaired arts patrons. And the star player’s not some college-age jock — she’s a wrinkled old lady from the 16th century. Maybe. She also might be a 50-year-old phony. That’s why we’ve all packed Ortega’z on a Tuesday in April. By night’s end, the reality show, Treasure Detectives, will reveal the true history of the Elizabethan Gardens’ infamous portrait of Elizabeth I. But for now, nobody knows. Well, almost nobody.
everything from frame construction to paint chemistry. Whenever an expert scores a point in her favor, screams, hoots and whistles fill the room. Whenever some egghead cries foul, boos and hisses carry halfway ‘cross the pond. Finally, after a string of nailbiters and questionable calls, we get the score. Despite the titanium residue, the unsealed oak — the unsightly mess of modern Ace hardware — it’s official: he r highness was born in the late 1500s with an estimated value of $1 million.
graphiccontent And so the drama begins. Investigators inspect gosurf
outthere goshop
Make R-Bar.. Your Bar!
Relaxing R-Bar Atmosphere with Drink Specials, N.C. Brews & Creative Appetizers
www.thedunesrestaurant.com
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner . MP 16, Nags Head . (252) 441.1600 milepost
20
“I had to sign a document swearing not to tell,” swears Executive Director Carl Curnutte. “My own mother can’t stand me right now.”
rearview
She’s not the only one. After all, these volunteers and supporters are the garden’s lifelong fans. Some recall when the painting was donated back in the 1950s or hung where children could wipe grubby fingers on her royal robes. They understand what a positive verdict — and a possible seven-figure price tag — could do for the cash-strapped non-
The bar erupts in celebration, then immediately hushes as they ponder, “What next?” Will the queen save the garden? Or will the garden save the queen? “That’s up to the board to decide,” says Curnutte between hearty toasts. “But don’t think tonight is the golden bullet that solves everything; we will still need support. Either way, this painting remains part of our history — and part of our future.” And the crowd goes wild. — C. White