The Czech Collectors Association (CCA) is dedicated to the Austrian, Bohemian and Czechoslovakian Decorative Arts. Its mission is to foster the collection, research and appreciation of the Decorative Arts from the years 1850 – 1940. The CCA will hold its next convention June 12 through 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. Come join collectors of all ages who continue to seek out these treasures today. Friday and Saturday are packed with five Seminars, an Antique Auction and Silent Auction, a Decorative Arts show and Sale and great food and entertainment. The event will culminate with a Banquet and Keynote Speaker on Saturday evening.
In addition to its reputation as the heart of the country music scene, Nashville has another side. Known as the Athens of the South, Nashville is a dynamic cultural center. The Nashville Millennium Maxwell House Hotel will provide the perfect setting for the CCA Convention. Early Birds arriving on Wednesday, June 11, can join an Early Bird Tour of Nashville and have a casual home style southern dinner. Friday evening, attendees have an opportunity to attend the Grand Ole Opry, America’s oldest radio show and highly regarded in the Country music world.
Saturday, June 14, will feature free public admission to A Kaleidoscope of Austrian, Bohemian and Czechoslovakian Decorative Arts, featuring an auction of over 250 lots, as well as an antique show and sale. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and the auction starts at noon. The show and sale closes at 4 p.. This year’s auction will highlight the inventory of CCA member and collector, Mary Gawle. Both the auction and the show and sale will feature pottery, glass, jewelry, perfumes, lighting and other decorative arts from the period. Look for simple to stunning, beginner to museum quality – Loetz, Tango, “End of Day,” Moser and Kralik art glass complimented by Mrazek Peasant Art Pottery, bird figurals, Ditmar Urbach, Amphora, and Rare Bohemian Potters including Maresch, Schiller and Dressler. Special exhibits will include a selection of Bimini style blown glass, plus perfumes and vanity items from the Ingrid Line made by Schlevogt.
The CCA Convention is always a place to share and learn. This year’s speakers offer insights into six exciting areas of collecting and research. Deborah Truitt (Indiana), a well-published researcher, will present “The Ingrid Brand – Sculpture in Glass.” She will show examples of this special glass, the relationship to the Heinrich Hoffmann, Riedel and Ornela firms, molding and refining techniques, and what Ingid Schlevogt herself is doing today. Dieter Forthuber (Ohio) will lead participants through the Loetz glass production program from 1895 to 1930, with a focus on how form, pattern and color were altered to create unique pieces, which he will illustrate from his extensive collection. Aggie Elwell (Vermont), an avid collector, will share research and her findings at The Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, C.R. She will present an overview of the types and styles of Czechoslovakia costume jewelry made from 1919 to 1939 with tips for distinguishing “original vintage” from “new vintage” pieces now entering the market.
Ian Macmillian (Canada), a passionate collector and researcher, will share newly acquired original documentation and insightful research on the history and works of Bernard Bloch and Eichwald majolica and stoneware potters from the Teplitz area. Paul Martinez (Massachusetts) presented Part One of “Maximizing Your Internet Search Strategies” at the 2007 Convention in Canada, and will offer beginner and seasoned searchers even more strategies to fine tune their online hunt for collectible treasures.
The annual Banquet will begin with a social, and door prizes “with a twist.” The highlight will be a presentation by Keynote Speaker, Mr. Samuel D. Smith. A well published author and Historical Archaeologist at the Tennessee Division of Archaeology, Mr. Smith will share his research and passion for Tennessee Pottery production which parallels production in Bohemia, Austria and Czechoslovakia from 1850 – 1930. Mini Sessions will offer casual, informative updates on glass, figurals, pottery, jewelry and vanity items. Convention attendees may wish to bring items for discussion with other collectors and the experts. CCA’s Annual General Meeting is also held during the convention. Members of the Czech Collectors Association live in the U.S., Canada, and Europe and include beginning and advanced collectors, researchers, educators, appraisers and dealers; all willing to share their knowledge.
The 2008 Convention promises to be the best yet! View pictures and feedback from participants at the 2007 Convention in the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada, on the CCA Web site www.czechcollectors.org. For further information about the convention and a registration form, visit www.czechcollectors.org or contact Sandra Macmillian, CCA President at (905) 988-5589 or [email protected].