Schwenke’s Woodbury Connecticut Auction Features Aronson Folk Art Collection, Heisman Trophy Castings, and Warhol Illustrated Folio

On Sunday June 9^th at 11am, Schwenke’s Woodbury Auction presents its Fourth Anniversary Spring Fine Estates Auction. According to owner Thomas Schwenke, “this will be one of our strongest sales to date, and we are happy to be offering the wonderful American folk art collection of Arnold and Sheila Aronson - 150 lots of carefully selected American Folk Art examples comprising painted furniture, artwork, whirligigs, quilts, weathervanes and accessories.” The Aronson Collection will be auctioned as a special section during the sale, beginning at 12:30 pm.

American Chippendale Chair

One of the prime single lots is very rare cast bronze unawarded production model of the Heisman trophy from the Roman Bronze Works, grouped with an unassembled second model, being offered for the first time having been acquired by the consignor from the late Philip Schiavo, owner of the Roman Bronze Works. Several other bronzes, some from Roman Bronze Works, are also on offer, as well as a Portrait Bust by Elie Nadelman.

Elie Nadelman

Also featured is Andy Warhol’s “Wild Raspberries” a hand colored folio of 18 hand-colored lithographs created in 1959 and signed by Warhol to/for the original purchaser; along with the book “Pre-Pop Warhol”, published by Panache Press of Random House, which was written in part using this folio, and including two letters of thanks from the publisher to the original owner.

The sale also includes property from various estates and consignors from Litchfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, and the Native American collection of a New York gentleman, including Navajo folk art carvings, New Mexican painted retablos, Hopi, Zuni and Laguna pottery, kachinas, artwork, and baskets.

Other decorative arts lots of interest include a thirteen piece Tiffany “Venetian” pattern desk set including the inkwell, blotter, pen holder, calendar, notepad, letter hold, pen tray, postage scale, stamp box, paper clip are being sold individually and are fresh to market from original owner’s family; a 17^th C. framed, silk trapunto English needlework of Romulus and Remus alongside a lion; and a Kathe Kollwitz, Etching, “Frau Mit Totem Kind”.

Seven distinctive pieces of Indian jewelry, including five Muhgal style 20K gold examples, are offered on behalf of a New York State private collector.

Many fine lots of American and English furniture are being sold as lots 502 to 614. Prime American examples include a Portsmouth inlaid mahogany swell front chest with fan inlays, a circa 1810 Federal tiger and birdseye maple server, most likely New Hampshire, an American Chippendale mirror with phoenix, an inlaid mahogany corner cupboard, a Sheraton figured maple drop leaf work table, and a Philadelphia Chippendale carved mahogany side chair. English featured pieces are a George II concertina card table, a George III mahogany pie crust table, possibly Irish, a signed London bracket clock, a Regency mahogany cellarette, and a pair of Sheraton brass mounted hall chairs.

George III Maghogany Pie Crust Table

This sale also will feature many estate oriental carpets including Persian and Caucasian room and scatter sized rugs, and other regional Asian rugs of varying sizes.

This sale is being held at the firm’s auction hall at 710 Main Street South, Middle Quarter Plaza, in Woodbury. Preview times are Sunday, June 2th from 11am to 4:00 pm; Friday June 7^th from noon to 5 pm; Saturday, June 8th from 10am to 5pm; and Sunday, June 9th from 8am to sale time at 11:00 am, with the Aronson Collection being sold at 12:30 pm.

The catalog for the sale is viewable at www.woodburyauction.comwww.woodburyauction.com. Absentee and phone bidding are available for this live gallery auction, and the sale will be broadcast live through Live Auctioneers.  To register or arrange for absentee or phone bidding, please call Woodbury Auction at 203-266-0323. 

For area information www.litchifeldhills.com

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance: Classic Cars, Aircraft and America's Cup 12-M Yacht

This year's Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, 1 and 2 June at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park will feature an interesting car that defies identification at first - or second or third - glance, baffling even knowledgeable collectors. Its smooth lines, lustrous red paint and Carrozzeria Ghia crest confirm its Italian heritage, but what, exactly, is it?

Selected as the Poster Car for the 2013 Greenwich Concours it is a 1955 Jaguar XK140MC, with a custom aluminum body by Ghia of Turin, Italy. The MC suffix signifies that the engine was upgraded to produce 20 more horsepower, for a total of 220 hp. It was built for Marge and Gower Champion, the Hollywood musical stars, who later sold it to fellow actor, Ricardo Montalban; it is currently owned by Greenwich-collector Michael Schudroff. Thanks to its hand-made aluminum body, the coupe is substantially lighter than a stock XK140. Its greenhouse has slender roof pillars and greater glass area for a bright and airy interior. The greatest owner satisfaction though, comes from the exclusivity and the stir it creates wherever it appears at a gathering of car enthusiasts.

The poster car of the 2013 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance is a 1955 Jaguar XK140MC, with a custom aluminum body by Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin, Italy. Photo by Bruce Wennerstrom

Also making an appearance at the Greenwich Concours this year is Andy Rooney's 1966 Sunbeam Tiger. The outspoken "60 Minutes" television commentator was a passionate "car guy." He lived in Rowayton, Connecticut, and his station car, the 1966 Sunbeam Tiger, was a class of car known at the time as a "hybrid." Not the politically correct electric/gasoline hybrids of today; Rooney's Sunbeam was Brit-built but was powered by a hot 289-hp American Ford V8. Such cars were called hybrids because they combined European coach work with American power trains, an amalgam of Yankee horsepower and sleek European curves. His Sunbeam was a light-weight two-seat sports car, painted, of course, in British Racing Green.America II and Lionheart, the Greenwich-based ex-America's Cup yachts will again be berthed by the Greenwich Concours and will offer two days of match racing. The association of classic cars and America's Cup yachts is appropriate, for the yachts are truly classic, in the same sense that the cars are, being the finest craft that yacht designers, builders and sail makers could create, and conceived for the sole purpose of defending the America's Cup during a series of challenges from sailors of other nations over a period of decades. 

This 1966 Sunbeam Tiger, with a hot 289-hp Ford V8 engine, was the favorite ride of Andy Rooney, the famous "60 Minutes" TV commentator will be shown at the Greenwich Concours. 
Photo by Russ Rocknak

The Greenwich Concours - considered one of the premier concours in the country - is unique.  Since its founding in 1996 it has comprised two separate concours, back-to-back; Saturday's Greenwich Concours Americana features American cars from the 1900's to the present, while Sunday's Greenwich Concours International is exclusively for imported sports, competition and touring cars, again from the 1900's to the present. From the beginning there has been a Best-of-Show trophy for the American cars, and a Best-of-Show for imported cars, with over a hundred classic cars and motorcycles on display each day.

Additionally, Bonhams auction company will hold an auction of rare and important collector cars and automobilia on Sunday, 2 June. The cars offered will be on display for the day prior to the sale and open to prospective bidders and the public.

Automobile Magazine is the Title Sponsor of the Greenwich Concours. Renowned radio host Bob Long, will be broadcasting live from the Concours for two hours each day. AmeriCares, the respected international relief organization, ranked best by Money magazine, is the charitable beneficiary.

In addition to classic Duesenbergs, Pierce-Arrows, Packards, Auburn Speedsters, 16-cylinder Cadillacs, Mercedes 300SL gullwings, and the popular post-war American muscle cars, spectators
can also check out the very latest offerings from the Concours' sponsor companies in a relaxed no-pressure setting. The new-car offerings of BMW, Cadillac, Corvette, Hyundai, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz and other sponsor companies will be on display for viewing by show attendees,
plus Chubb Personal Insurance has all the answers for insuring collector cars.

Greenwich Concours Basics
A great attraction of the Greenwich Concours is the stunning beauty of its waterfront site,  Roger Sherman Baldwin Park - a verdant peninsula at the head of Greenwich Harbor - which affords cooling sea breezes and a delightful water-side setting for alfresco lunches.

The Greenwich Concours Americana and the Concours International are open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The admission is $30 per day, or $45 for a two-day pass, and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free, and food service is available on site. The dates for 2013 are 1 and 2 June, rain or shine.

The ease of getting to the Concours also contributes to its popularity, for it's immediately off Exit 3  of I-95, and within a block of the Metro North train station with express service from New York and Boston. And, within walking distance, is Greenwich Avenue - the Rodeo Drive of the East - with all of its many restaurants, antique shops, luxury stores, and numerous boutiques. Hotels, ranging from the modest to ultra-luxe, are also close by, with the Delamar, the host hotel, right at the Concours site.
The Concours web site, www.greenwichconcours.com includes a map, driving directions, and contact information.  For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com



Free Paddle Guide to Litchfield Hills

Canoeing in Litchfield Hills

Blessed with two major recreational rivers, the Housatonic and the Farmington, and over 9,000 surface acres of lakes and spring-fed ponds, the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut are overflowing with spring fun on the water.  Melting snow that makes rivers run high means prime time for whitewater challenge and sunny spring days are just right for a peaceful paddle on a sun-dappled river.

The Housatonic Valley Association has just published a free Connecticut Paddling Guide of nine navigable sections of the Housatonic River with 29 access sites starting from Ashley Falls, Mass. and going to Stratford, Connecticut. 

The Guide provides detailed maps and easy to read directions. Descriptions of each section of the river include distance, the type of water flow, landmarks, and tributaries entering the section and warnings where necessary. Other sections of the guide have information on the river’s history, its health, and plant and wildlife species found along the river. The guide also includes tips on boating safety and guarding against spreading invasive aquatic species.  

Notes on specific wildlife, recreational areas, historic sites, other pertinent information as well as photos and illustrations are sprinkled throughout the sections. It is printed on water-resistant paper in two colors with a full color cover and some full color spread throughout the pages.

The guides are available at HVA in Cornwall Bridge; Connecticut Outdoors, LLC, Oakville; Clarke Outdoors, West Cornwall; Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks, New Hartford and The Trading Post, New Milford. This guide may be downloaded at www.hvatoday.org.

For a free paddle guide and the Unwind brochure call 860-567-4506 or visit www.litchfieldhills.com 

Mother's Day Ideas in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County

Mothers Day is a holiday celebrating mothers and motherhood that was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia.  She then went on a campaign to make it a recognized holiday in the US and was successful in establishing it in 1914. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world.  

A perfect treat for moms is going to the theater. Several theaters in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County are offering specials just for mom.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre (http://dtcab.com/) for example located on 263 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport is offering a free ticket for mom to a special performance now through May 12^th of 8-Track or Wizard of Odds, or both shows! For details call the Box Office 203-576-1636 (Offer not available online).

Westport Country Playhouse 

In the heart of Westport located in a state of the theater, the Westport Country Playhouse on 25 Powers Court in Westport is offering a complimentary glass of Prosecco on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, before the 3 p.m. matinee performance of The Dining Room, a witty and heartfelt story of the American family and its vanishing traditions, directed by Mark Lamos. For tickets and more information visit www.westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at 203.227.4177.

Infinity Hall

In the unspoiled village of Norfolk in the Litchfield Hills, Infinity Hall on 20 Greenwoods Road (Rte. 44) is offering a 5-star brunch, lunch or dinner for mom with the chef serving delicious specials as well as all the items from their popular menu.  To make the day memorable Infinity Hall is hosting a 2 p.m. matinee featuring Brian Miller, Musician, Magician and Mind Reader and a 7:30 p.m. concert starring country singer Iris DeMent.  Please note that show tickets will be sold separately.  Visit www.InfinityHall.com or call 860-542-5531 for reservations and tickets.

Thomaston Opera House

In Thomaston, on Main Street, in the historic Thomaston Opera House, Landmarks Theatre (www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org) is offering a buy one ticket at the regular admission price of $23 and get one ticket free for mom on May 10 -12 for Mother’s Day. The Landmarks Theatre spring musical production, sure to delight mom is Guys & Dolls. Shows on May 10 and 11 are at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on May 12.  Get your tickets by calling the Box Office (860) 283-6250 or go online.  Don't miss this much-loved Broadway musical!

Another idea is to give a gift of music to your mom by attending the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra’s multi media experience of Gustav Mahler’s Titan. “The World According to Gustav,” is a biographical examination of the composer’s life featuring excerpts from Das Klagende Lied and Songs of a Wayfarer. The second half of the concert will be Symphony no. 1 (Titan). This musical evening for moms takes place on Saturday, May 11 at 8 p.m. at the NVCC Fine Arts Center in Waterbury at a discounted price of $24 for moms on $30 seats. Tickets are available online at: www.waterburysymphony.org (For discount, type in the word “mother” when asked for discount code) or by calling 203-574-4283.

Special Treats

Bruce Museum

For Mother's Day, the Bruce Museum Store (http://brucemuseum.org) located in Greenwich and featured in the March 2013 issue of Connecticut Magazine as ‘Best Boutique’ among museum shops – has a wonderful selection of gifts that are perfect for every mom including cards, candles, scarves, hats, stationery, books, accessories, collectibles and jewelry. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Bruce Museum Store is offering 25% off on all jewelry for the entire month of May in celebration of Mom.  The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

In Norwalk, Mom’s will enjoy free admission on Sunday, May 12 to the Stepping Stones Museum for Children www.steppingstonesmuseum.org located in Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue. Stepping Stones Museum for Children is an award-winning, private, non -profit 501(c)(3) children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the recently expanded LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, a state-of-the-art multimedia theater, Family and Teacher Resource Center, cafe and retail store. Museum hours are Monday-Sunday from 10 am-5 pm.  Admission is $15 for adults and children and $10 for seniors. Children under 1 are free. To learn more visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203 899 0606.

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Also in Norwalk, the Gift Shop at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (www.maritimeaquarium.org) on Water Street is offering 25% off sale in their gift shop on fine jewelry by local artists May 10 – 12 only.  When visiting the Aquarium don’t miss the special exhibit of the meerkats that scamper and play endlessly. The museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Imagination Nation

The Imagination Nation in Bristol (www.imaginemuseum.org) on 1 Pleasant Street is offering mom’s free admission on Sunday, May 12 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Kids can craft a fabric flower in the Imagine That! art area to give to mom as a wonderful keepsake for her special day. Admission is $7 per person, children under 1 are always free and mom’s on Mother’s Day!

American Clock & Watch Museum

If you have “time” on mother’s day, head to Bristol’s American Clock & Watch Museum where all moms will be celebrated by receiving free admission!  This museum is filled with a collection of exquisite timepieces that tell the story of the state and region’s rich clock making heritage. While visiting the museum don’t miss, the special 2013 exhibit “Art Deco Timepieces: Treasures of the Jazz Age”. The museum is located at 100 Maple Street, in Bristol. For more information call the museum 860-583-6070 www.clockandwatchmuseum.org.

New England Carousel Museum

At the New England Carousel Museum on 95 Riverside Ave. in Bristol, mother’s accompanied by kids pay half price all day.  During the Golden Age of the carousel, postcards were very popular. Visitors to the museum are invited to print a postcard to give to mom as a memorable remembrance and to come for a ride on the carousel!  For more information visit www.thecarouselmuseum.org.

Cupcake and her kids 

On May 12 bring mom to the zoo… Beardsley Zoo that is in Bridgeport on 1875 Noble Ave.  The ticket is on the Zoo – moms get in free because Connecticut’s only zoo wants to thank all moms working so hard throughout the year on their special day. Enjoy this special day visiting their animals or having lunch in the Peacock Pavilion. When visiting don’t miss the newest mom at the Zoo, Cupcake, the Nigerian Dwarf goat that just gave birth to two kids! www.BeardsleyZoo.org.

Lake Compounce

Opening day for Lake Compounce Theme Park (www.lakecompounce.com) is Saturday, May 11th.  On Sunday May 12th, moms will enjoy a little extra special attention in honor of Mother's Day.  Buy one, get one free tickets are available online only for the entire weekend, so mom can enjoy a free day in the park when she comes with anyone else who pays regular adult admission. In addition, moms get to enjoy a special 'Relaxation Station' for their comfort and pampering.

Winvian

Winvian www.winvian.com in Morris Connecticut is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Winvian’s garden is the centerpiece of Chef Eddy’s fresh and spontaneous restaurant offerings that will be a special treat from moms.  The brunch is a three course prix-fixe menu at $90 per person, tax and tip is additional, reservations requested.

Terston

The week of May 6th-12th Terston (www.terston.com/) on Rte. 7 in Kent and the David Gavin Salon will offer a special in recognition of Mother's Day. Make a clothing purchase of $50 to receive a free specially selected scarf. (one per customer while supplies last). In addition, Terston customers can experience an introduction to the David Gavin Salon expertise - Carissa and Jennifer will be available for complimentary quick consults for customers visiting the store. When booking an appointment, for a future date, new clients to the salon will receive 20% off a hair cut and/or color. In addition, all David Gavin luxurious and nourishing hair products will be 10% off for the week.  Terston is located on 27 North Main Street in Kent CT.