What'$ It Worth? and Photo Contest - April 15-16

For the first time the public is invited to submit entries for the new, juried photo contest in conjunction with  “What’$ It Worth?” the popular antique appraisal event hosted by the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg on April 15 & 16, 2011. Deadline for entries is April 12.

The photography theme is black and white historical images taken from a creative point of view. The photos must be the artist’s original work.

The jury will award prizes of $100, $50, and $25 for top entries. Entry fees are $10 per image or 3 images for $25 and contestants may enter as many images as they wish.

Contest entries are due with payment by April 12 at the Society office, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg TX 78624. Further details will be made available on the website.

The photos will be part of an exhibit to be displayed for 30 days ending May 12, 2011. Visitors may purchase select framed black and white photos from the Museum collection, along with others offered by photographers. Part of the proceeds will go to the Museum.

Judges are James Fox, fine art photographer, teacher, and  owner of James Fox Photography; Lance Tatum, principal and owner of Lance Tatum Architect; and Cynthia Lively, owner of cynlee-studios.

In its second year, the popular appraisal event offers several new activities.

Nine independent antique appraisers will view furniture, paintings, sculpture, art, photographs, books, silver, glass, toys, guns, knives, western and Fredericksburg memorabilia, and other collectibles from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday. Individual appraisals will be offered at $10 per item. Large items can be appraised by bringing in a high-quality photograph with written detail if available.

This year’s appraisers include:

Margaret Mangum, antique dealer and shop owner for 30 years; Tim Taylor, owner of Whistle Pik Galleries in Fredericksburg; Shawn Umphress, antique dealer and shop owner; Ron Woellhof, owner of Showcase Antiques in Fredericksburg; Harold Scharold, consultant, teacher, lecturer, and author; Glen Treibs, a premier local historian and dedicated collector of local memorabilia; Larry Jackson, consultant for museums, auction houses, collectors, decorators, authors and estate sale specialists; Jim Holley, collector of fine Western and Texas collectibles; and Rachel Fitch, owner of Fitch Estate Sales.

On Saturday, guests can attend four new seminars. They are:

9:30-10:15 Provenance -Stephen Vollmer

10:30-11:15 Antique Guns and Fire Arms & their Evolution in Texas -Bill Thompson

11:30-12:15 Antique China -Eva Lee

1:00-1:45 Incorporating Antiques into the Home –Brenda Newman & Michelle Weberpal

Seminars are $10 each, or guests can purchase VIP tickets for $50. A VIP ticket will admit the holder to up to four seminars by antique experts and includes two appraisals. Refreshments will be available, along with David’s Old-Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que, who is donating part of the proceeds to the Museum.

An expanded Friday evening catered cocktail reception will feature Bruce Shackelford, international expert and a popular TV appraiser. Guests will enjoycatering by featured Fredericksburg Restaurants: August E’s, Amish Market, Bejas, Chocolat, Dutchman’s, Fredericksburg Fudge, Navajo Grill, Sunset Grill, with beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members and will include one free appraisal on Saturday.

Event appraisers are independent of the museum and society. Appraisals are for fair-market value, and not intended for insurance and tax purposes. No appraisals offered on jewelry or Oriental items. The Gillespie County Historical Society holds no liability for inaccuracies or damaged items.

For information and to purchase tickets, call 830-997-2835, email info@pioneermuseum.net, or visit online at www.pioneermuseum.net.