Newport Antiques Show Raised $1 Million for Two Local Beneficiaries

 organizers said they raised a total of $1 million in net profits from sponsorships and ticket sales for its two beneficiaries, The Newport Historical Society and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.

This August marked the fifth anniversary of the , which took place at the Ice Rink. Forty-two of the country’s top antique dealers shared their best acquisitions—ranging from furniture, to paintings, to jewelry, along with fine and decorative arts—to nearly 2,500 antique enthusiasts. 

“This fifth anniversary is historic,” Newport Historical Society’s Executive Director Ruth Taylor said in an announcement. “Not only were antiques with Rhode Island connections exhibited and purchased in the region of their provenance, funds raised support Newport’s past and Newport’s future.”

Taylor attributed much of the show’s success to this year's sponsors, exhibitors and party chairs.

For the fifth consecutive year, William Vareika Fine Arts, Ltd. was the Presenting Sponsor. Specializing in the purchase and sale of important 18th, 19th, and early 20th century American paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints, William Vareika's art gallery is one of the largest in New England and is one of the show’s lead exhibitors. Brown Brothers Harriman of Boston returned for the second year as the Preview Party Sponsor.

Anne F. Hamilton of Newport and Philadelphia again served as the show’s chairperson. “Anne is essential in making the Show happen,” Taylor said. “We could not have reached this $1 million milestone without her assistance.”

“The energy was incredible this year,” said Joanne Hoops, Director of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. “We were thrilled with the number of people who left the arena remarking about how satisfying and interesting the show was. We are always excited to partner in this event. The support we receive is critical to The Boys & Girls Clubs as it helps sustain the quality programs that we offer to youth and families."

Hoops continued, "Also significant, the event showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of our culture throughout the ages, bringing joy to so many. We offer sincere thanks to our sponsors and founders who have supported this endeavor over the past five years, and to the show managers and exhibitors who bring history to life for all to enjoy.”

On loan from the Newport Historical Society’s collections, the exhibit Their Manners Pleasing, Their Education Complete: Newport Samplers 1728-1835 featured 18th and 19th century needlework. Dr. Margaret Ordoñez, Professor in the Textiles Department at the University of Rhode Island, discussed the exhibit and offered advice about preserving antique textiles during a morning lecture.