25th Anniversary Antiques Show
Supporting the Museum's Collection of American Art
Victoria Wyeth Speaks at Greenville Antiques Show
October 15–17, 2010
The granddaughter of the late American artist Andrew Wyeth will be the featured speaker at the museum's 25th anniversary Antiques Show. The show, which runs October 15–17, 2010, recognizes patrons and donors whose financial contributions help the Museum acquire important works of art for its permanent collection.
Victoria Browning Wyeth will speak on Friday, October 15, at 10:15 am, following a 9:30 coffee in her honor. Ms. Wyeth has been sharing her knowledge about the art of the Wyeth family since she was fifteen years old, appearing at both the Farnsworth Art Museum in Maine and the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Her unique personal perspective opens the Wyeth family to the public by offering memories and insights gained through years of discussions about art with her grandfather, amplified by chats with her uncle, the painter Jamie Wyeth. Her Greenville presentation will also feature images of family paintings that are not available for public viewing.
The Greenville County Museum of Art has achieved international attention for its association
with Andrew Wyeth, and the Museum now owns 35 works by the artist known as “America’s
Painter,” including representative works from every major phase of his career. Mr. Wyeth, who died
early in 2009, called the Greenville Collection “ the very best collection of my watercolors in any
public museum in this country.”
“Welcoming Victoria Wyeth as our guest lecturer is an exciting opportunity and a perfect fit for
the 25th anniversary show,” said Antiques Show Chair Malinda Coleman. “Funding from past shows has
underwritten the acquisition of several captivating Andrew Wyeth paintings for the Museum’s permanent
collection.”
Victoria Wyeth will speak at 10:15 am on October 15
The Museum Antiques Show, which is sponsored by Carolina First, brings together more than twenty select dealers in formal and country antique furniture, silver, porcelain, Oriental rugs, linens, and fine art. The 2010 event will support the purchase of six works of art, including historic landscapes by John James Audubon, Ralph E.W. Earl, and John Izard Middleton. Contemporary works among the acquisitions include paintings by Andrew Lenaghan, William McCullough, and Edward Rice.
Proceeds from the annual Antiques Show represent a major contribution to the Museum's permanent collection. Since 1985, the Show has raised more than $5 million to support the acquisition of 61 works of art, including examples of Impressionism, history paintings, marble sculpture, Andrew Wyeth watercolors, Jasper Johns prints, and masterpieces of the Charleston Renaissance..
Antiques Show donor levels begin at $750 and continue to $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000. Donors in each category receive tickets to the Benefactors Preview Party, recognition in the show catalog and general admission tickets. Those who contribute $2,500 or more are also invited to a private champagne reception with the guest speaker prior to the Preview Party, as well as other benefits. If you would like to take part, contact the Antiques Show office at 864/271-7570, ext. 22.
The 3-day Antiques Show weekend requires the assistance of many volunteers who plan and execute the event, distribute brochures and posters, take tickets, serve as hostesses, help with box lunch service, assist the dealers and work behind the scenes in many ways. Call 864/271-7570, ext. 22, for information.
Andrew Wyeth: The Greenville Collection will be on view during the Antiques Show, along with a new exhibition of work by the internationally acclaimed artist Jasper Johns, a native South Carolinian. While entrance to the antiques exhibition area requires an ticket costing $8 ($5 in advance), admission to see the art exhibitions is always absolutely free. Tickets to Victoria Wyeth’s presentation are $25 and include refreshments before the lecture.