Newport Antiques Show Shines at Friday Preview Gala

The stars and power players from the world of arts and antiquities have come out to represent some of their finest pieces from their collections at the .

More than forty of the nation’s top antique dealers have traveled from across the country to exhibit their collections at the fifth annual charitable event, which is open to the public Saturday and Sunday at the Ice Rink in Middletown. General admission is $12.

Friday night's Preview Gala was sponsored by Brown Brothers Harriman of Boston. Party tickets started at $150 and provided arts patrons and collectors with the opportunity to view and purchase pieces before the show opens to general admission on Saturday.

The show draws about 2,500 visitors each year.

Whether attending the Friday Preview Gala, or the show itself on Saturday and Sunday, attendees this weekend have the opportunity to purchase paintings, furniture, folk art, jewelry, and fine and decorative arts in an unparalleled seaside setting. 

All net proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. Every year since 2007, this powerhouse fundraiser has raised more than $100,000 for each institution.

By the close of this fifth annual show this weekend, the event will have raised an anticipated total of one million dollars, according to organizers.

In a tough economy where nonprofit organizations face funding hurdles and fundraising challenges, this seminal event has proven essential in continuing the missions of The Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.

Anne F. Hamilton, of Newport and Philadelphia, who is returning for the fifth year as Chair of the Show and Gala Preview Party, shared that the event was like “a museum of dealers.”

She encouraged everyone to come out to the show Saturday and Sunday to see what this year's dealers have to offer. “This event transforms a hockey rink into a beautiful showplace where one can come to feast on the sites and learn. It’s a lot of fun whether you are a collector or not,” Hamilton said.

Bill O’Hanley, Boys & Girls Club Board President, enjoyed the evening with his wife Sabra and daughter Lauren. He expressed his gratitude to the Newport Historical Society for their partnership.

“This is the most important event of the year for the Club and we always look forward to it," O’Hanley said. "Anne Hamilton is an angel to us as the proceeds from this event help us to provide much needed services to children who otherwise could not afford it.”

Fifth year exhibitor William Vareika, of William Vareika Fine Arts LTD, the show's Presenting Sponsor, stated that he was “thrilled with the turn out for the event and so proud to be the presenting sponsor for this event every year."

"It is a great success for our worthy recipients,” Vareika said.

Diana Bittel Antiques, another fifth year exhibitor, shared, “It has been five years and it just gets better and better. This could be New York City in January with great dealers and fabulous materials here in Newport in the summer.”

Show information

• The Newport Antiques Show runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14.
• General Admission tickets are $12.
• Click here for more information.