Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Welcome to paradise


Visitors to next weekend's antique sale at St. John's Cathedral will find items from 20 hand-selected dealers.
 (File/ / The Spokesman-Review)
Cheryl-anne Millsap By Cheryl-Anne Millsap Correspondent

I write a lot about junking, or digging through junk at estate sales, flea markets and thrift stores to find something wonderful. That’s because it’s something I love to do. I love battered old things that have seen a lot of use, and I always enjoy the search for them. And I’m in good company. Flea market shopping and antiquing are more popular today than ever.

But the good stuff, those fine antiques that appreciate in value regardless of trends and fashions, never loses its appeal. And every once in a while an opportunity to stroll through a show stocked by well-known dealers, full of truly fine antiques, is a welcome change.

It’s nice to be able to see pieces that have been well cared for or lovingly restored. No trash, just treasure.

Each fall St. John’s Cathedral on Spokane’s South Hill hosts an intimate and upscale antique sale. Next weekend, 20 hand-selected dealers will bring the finest they have to offer, and fill their spaces with beautiful furniture, rugs and fine artwork.

A catered lunch and other goodies, by “Shake, Rattle and Boil,” will be available.

This year, according to show chairwoman Victoria Ferro, there should be something for everyone, from those with really deep pockets to the rest of us.

Pounders Jewelry will bring their large collection of estate jewelry, and several classrooms will be filled with collectibles and other vintage items.

Local historical societies and associations will have kiosks with information about their efforts, and volunteers will offer tours of the Cathedral.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit The Cathedral and The Arts Association programs like the free Community Christmas concert and provide scholarships that will enable young musicians to participate in the Spokane Youth Orchestra.

Ferro says that one exciting change to the lineup is that this year marks the return of a special preview party and sale on Thursday evening from 7 to 10 p.m.

Tickets to the preview are $20 and will be available at the door. Regular admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Cathedral gift shop and from any Cathedral and the Arts board member.

I’m looking forward to the preview. Spending a couple of hours shopping for beautiful antiques instead of junk, with a glass of wine in my hand instead of a bottle of Purell, will be a real treat.

If you go

The 26th Annual Cathedral and the Arts Antique Show and Sale at St. John’s Cathedral will be next Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.

Preview party and sale will be Thursday, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include wine and hors d’oeuvres.

The Cathedral is located at 127 E. 12th Ave. For more information, call 245-3107.

Treasure Hunting mail

When I wrote about how I daydream while I dust, I heard from Liz Gillette in Ritzville, Wash. “You surely are someone I could bond with, as we have so many interests the same,” she wrote. “Your article on dusting came the day I had decided to clean house. After reading it, I even enjoyed the cleaning as I dusted each piece and thought of where I had gotten it.” Liz even invited me to drop by the next time I’m in town, and I just might do it!

Last week’s column about antique quilts brought mail, too.

Janet Nelson wrote to say that in her family, instead of quilts, their heirloom afghans wrap them in memories. She recently passed on her grandmother’s hand-made afghan to a cousin’s new baby. “Baby Luke will now be wrapped in an afghan made by his great-great grandma,” she wrote. “I’m sure she would be so very pleased.”

Nelson also told me about a group of collectors who get together once a month in Soap Lake, Wash.

“Each month a member shares their collection and knowledge with the rest of us,” she wrote. “We have lunch, visit and see wonderful collections.”

Thanks for writing, Janet. I have to admit I’m envious. Good food, good friends and good stuff; it just doesn’t get any better than that.

‘Quilters’

Sallie Christensen, a cast member of the Center Stage production of “Quilters,” wrote to thank me for mentioning the play and the quilts that were made by local women. “Thank you for recognizing the local artistry of the Spokane quilters,” she wrote. “The two quilts at the end of the show, made by local quilters, are stunning.”

Christensen wrote that she enjoys seeing the “priceless” expressions on the faces of the audience when the quilts are displayed at the end of the show.

For more information about the quilts, or the production of “Quilters,” which runs through Oct. 16, call Center Stage at 747-8243 or go to www.spokanecenterstage.com.