Preview of antique show will give collectors sneak peek

A weekend of antiquing is coming to downtown Aiken.

Antiques hold a special place for many as they are representative of the past and are often passed as family heirlooms from one generation to the next.

The art of antiquing differs for every collector as an item of intrigue differs from person to person.

Antiques in the Heart of Aiken is designed to offer items for everyone from estate jewelry and glassware to furniture and tools. The event, celebrating its 10th year, draws dealers and collectors from all over the United States to participate in the three-day event which begins on Friday and continues through Sunday.

The rarity of certain items makes it essential for serious collectors to be the first to arrive. In anticipation of the energy created by the excitement, the Aiken Center for the Arts will host a preview party on Thursday beginning at 7 p.m.

For two hours, attendees will be able to view vendors' collections, purchase items and have the chance to win a piece of estate jewelry.

In addition, the preview party serves as the debut of the anticipated 10th anniversary "Antiques in the Heart of Aiken" commemorative book. Featuring Aiken connections and individual categories on antiques, the 96-page, full-color, hard-bound coffee table book will be available for sale with all proceeds benefiting the ACA.

During Thursday's event, author Marti Healy and photographer Shelly Marshall Schmidt will be on hand to personalize copies.

"This year the educational component to the Antiques Show will feature national speakers with extensive expertise," said Kristen Brown, executive director of the ACA. "And the ladies of the Sweetheart Cafe will be serving their delicious treats Friday, Saturday and Sunday."

Antiques in the Heart of Aiken serves as a fundraiser for the day-to-day operations at the ACA.

General admission to the antiques show is $8 for the three days.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Lunch will be served in the Sweetheart Cafe Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Tickets to the preview party are available for $60 and include three-day admission. Tickets may be reserved at the ACA or by calling 641-9094. Commemorative books are $40 each.

For more information on the educational talks, visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org or stop by the ACA at 122 Laurens St. S.W.