Members of the Antiques and Collectibles National Association enjoyed three days of networking, seminars, field trips and fine New Orleans cuisine at the January 10-13 Convention in the fabulous Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, one block from Bourbon Street. After the welcoming keynote address participants had the opportunity to attend a total of fourteen different seminars offered at different times over the next three days.
Subjects and presenters included Marcia Brown, Costume Jewelry I & II, Fred and Gail Taylor, Antique Furniture Identification, DiAnna Tindell, Art Restoration and Frame Restoration, Bill and Carol Kearney and Christine Saltzman, Auctions and Estate Sales, Paul Boyd, Glass Repair, Barbara Mauzy, American Kitchen and One “Kee” to Going Green, Beth and Dan Walker, Silver Restoration, Debbie and Randy Coe, Going Green with Antiques, Jim Cottrell of M.S. Rau Antiques, Buying Art and Kyle Husfloen, Ceramics.
Attendees were also treated to a private guided tour of M.S. Rau Antiques, one of the finest antique dealers in the world, by Rau Vice President Jim Cottrell. Among other things members got to see the $6,500,000 monumental painting “Alma Parens” (The Motherland) by French master William Bouguereau (French 1825-1905), entire galleries of 18th and 19th century European and English furniture and art and the pie shaped Regency extension table circa 1830 patented by Robert Jupe, one of only a handful known to exist. The next afternoon was completely devoted to a self guided tour of the antiques district along Magazine Street. The shops were expecting the visit and members were cordially greeted all along the route. Some shops even had refreshments for the visitors. Stops along the way included high end European and American antique shops, Mid Century Modern shops, antique malls and eateries, some of whom offered discounts to the visitors.
The overall impression among attendees at the end of the Convention was “If you weren’t here you really missed out.” Typical comments included, “All the classes I attended were very good. Everyone was very knowledgeable on their subject”, “It was a very positive experience for me”, “Thank you for a great opportunity. I enjoyed it”, “The convention was a good one. The quality of attendees was excellent. I really thought people in my classes were great”. “Those of us who came to New Orleans definitely left with more information and friendships than they came with.”
The classroom setups and equipment, convention meals, meeting accommodations and field trip arrangements coordinated by ACNA President Angie Becker and Vice President Mike Becker were outstanding. The Hotel staff was gracious and helpful.
The ACNA offers a variety of services for antiques and collectibles dealers, mall owners, shop owners, show promoters and individual collectors including liability, inventory and building insurance, credit card processing, health insurance and collection insurance, travel discounts, shipping and supply discounts, special interest vehicle insurance and a quarterly industry newsletter. For more information call 800-287-7127, visit the website at http://www.acna.us or email Angie Becker at [email protected]