Martha Stewart to open Charleston antique show, house & garden tours Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, best-selling author and host of the daily television show MARTHA, will open the 2006 Charleston International Antiques Show
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, best-selling author and host of the daily television show MARTHA, will open the 2006 Charleston International Antiques Show and 59th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens with a luncheon lecture March 17, 2006, in Charleston, S.C.
Organized by Historic Charleston Foundation, CIAS coincides with the first weekend of the foundation�s long renowned annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, which runs March 16 � April 15. Proceeds from both programs support the preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation, which was founded in 1947 to protect Charleston�s architectural, historical and cultural integrity.
Held during the peak of the historic port city�s blooming season, the Festival offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the private residential interiors and gardens of approximately 150 of America�s most distinctive historic houses in 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.
Now in its third year, CIAS has quickly established itself as a premier destination for seasoned collectors as well as those who just enjoy seeing and learning about the decorative arts. More than 30 dealers will return for the 2006 CIAS, featuring a diverse range of antiques from the late 17th to the early 20th century, including American, Asian and European furniture, silver and porcelain, textiles, ceramics, vintage jewelry and clothing, and garden furniture.
�The foundation�s annual antiques show and house tours have attracted the attention of connoisseurs of various renown from around the world,� said Kitty Robinson, HCF executive director. �To have Martha Stewart serve as our honorary chair this year is a high compliment indeed and underscores the important preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation.�
In addition to CIAS, the Festival offers a diverse range of programs throughout the month, including luncheon lectures, Eat & Run tours, a harbor cruise, oyster roasts at Drayton Hall, an �Evening with Mozart� at the historic Nathaniel Russell House, and Plantation Excursions. A complete calendar of events and ticket prices can be found at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.
Sherwin Williams/Duron Paints and Wallcoverings is the title sponsor of this year�s events. Other major donors include Roper/St. Francis Hospital, Orient Express, Carriage Properties, Wachovia, Daniel Island Company, Palmetto Bluff, McQuorquadale Transfer Inc., Lane and Smythe LLC, WCBD-2, Arts and Antiques Magazine and Charleston Magazine.
