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Antiques Lovers’ Dream!

WV’s Largest Antiques Show at Wilson Lodge

WHEELING, (W.Va.) –Wilson Lodge in Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia will be transformed into an antiques marketplace April 1-3 as Oglebay Institute presents its 62nd Annual Antiques Show and Sale.

This annual event is the largest and longest running antiques show in West Virginia and among the oldest shows nationwide. Show manager Peter Chillingworth of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania gathers more than 50 dealers from 10 states to participate in the show. Guests can browse thousands of items including American, English, Primitive and Period Furniture, American Art, Folk Art, Western Art, pottery, quilts, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pewter, silver, glass, china, books and endless decorative items for both the period and modern home.

“Peter invites only the most reputable and knowledgeable dealers, and buyers can rest assured they are getting the cream of the crop,” said Oglebay Institute director of museums Christin Byrum.

The Oglebay Institute show is one of only a handful like it in the region and has maintained its popularity because of its commitment to quality merchandise, a diverse inventory with items for every budget and programs that appeal to both experienced collectors and novice antiques buyers, Byrum explained.

Blue Lion Antiques
Blue Lion Antiques of Williamsburg, VA features 18th and 19th century Americana, country store, tools and primitives and is one of more than 50 antiques dealers that will set up shop at Wilson Lodge April 1-3.

“We pride ourselves on putting together a show that is not only a shopping experience but also a learning experience.  Our dealers are eager to share their knowledge with patrons, and we will provide special learning opportunities throughout the weekend.”

Examples include Saturday afternoon Dealer Booth Talks, which are included with the show admission, and special dealer-guided show tours that take place Saturday morning before the show opens.

Joy's Antiques
Joy’s Antiques of Pittsburgh specializes in antique jewelry and is always a popular vendor at the Antiques Show and Sale.

“Our show really puts you in touch with the dealers. You can shake hands and converse with our talkative experts who are passionate about antiques in general as well as their particular areas of interest.  It is nice to be able to get questions answered and learn the history and significance of the items in the show.”

The Antiques Show and Sale is also a social event.  The Friday night cocktail party and dessert preview are always popular and never disappoint. The cocktail party takes place in Oglebay Institute’s shimmering Glass Museum. Guests are treated to great food and an open bar and get to roam the Museums’ 3000 examples of historic Wheeling glass. Limos then drive patrons to Wilson Lodge, about a mile away, where they get a first-peek at the show during the Dessert Preview Party and enjoy an enticing array of cakes, cookies, pies, candy and a cash bar. Patrons can attend both events or purchase tickets for the Dessert Preview Party only.

Desserts
The Antique’s Show Dessert Preview Party is a favorite event each year, offering attendees an impressive array of sweet treats and a sneak peak at the show.

Byrum credits the show’s success and longevity to the volunteer Committee of the Museums of Oglebay Institute. Helping with this show is a months-long affair for the committee members who work closely with the show manager as well as supervise all the activities associated with the show- everything from staffing the show to coordinating lectures and tours to overseeing the patron preview events.

The Antiques Show and Sale is also possible through the generous support of its sponsors, Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service of Mount Morris, PA and Hughes Design and Gift Gallery of Wheeling.

Pyle said the Oglebay Institute show is a “must-attend” event for those in the antiques industry and is one of the best shows in the region.  “We are very excited to have the opportunity to partner with an event of this caliber. With such a charming venue and quality dealers, this show is an extraordinary experience for antiques enthusiasts,” he said.

Sponsor Mary Beth Hughes agrees.  She said that she has attended many of the large metropolitan shows, and the Oglebay Institute show rivals those in quality of merchandise and expertise of dealers.  “It is a pleasure to have a part in making this experience available for our community.”

Oglebay Institute’s 62nd Annual Antiques Show and Sale opens Friday, April 1 with special patron events. General show hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2 and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3. General show admission is just $10.

Oglebay's Wilson Lodge
Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge.

Special Antiques Show lodging packages are available at Oglebay Resort, which is located in the picturesque estate that was summer retreat of Cleveland industrialist Earl W. Oglebay. Today, Oglebay Resort offers 1,700 acres of year round recreational opportunities and excellent overnight accommodations and has retained its natural beauty.

For more information on the show and to purchase tickets to the preview events, call the Museums of Oglebay Institute at 304-242-7272 or visit www.oionline.com. Reservations for the overnight package can be made by calling 800-624-6988 or can be booked online at www.oglebay-resort.com.

OI Hosts Cleveland’s Dancing Wheels

Dance and Movement Workshop Inspires People of All Abilities

WHEELING, W.Va. (March 7, 2016)- If dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. That is the fundamental belief behind the Dancing Wheels Company & School of Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the premier arts and disabilities organizations in the U.S., Dancing Wheels is a professional, physically integrated dance company uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities.

On Monday, March 21, members of the Dancing Wheels Company & School will conduct a special workshop using movement and performance in a unique approach to education and therapy. It takes place from 7-9 p.m. at Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance in Wheeling.

Individuals who previously found limited access to the arts due to physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities will enjoy inclusive dance and participatory learning with their disabled and non-disabled peers. The result is a freeing, educational and joyous art experience.Dancing Wheels_3

“We are proud to host these incredible instructors from the School of Dancing Wheels as they present this wonderful educational outreach program,” said Oglebay Institute director of dance Cheryl Pompeo. “At Oglebay Institute we strive to provide opportunities for all people to experience and participate in the arts. Dance, in particular, allows people with differing abilities the opportunity to express their individuality, gain self-confidence and experience the joy of movement in new and rewarding ways.”

Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the U.S., founded the Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland in 1980. Born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to offer others with disabilities full and equal access into the world of dance. An almost unimaginable concept at the time, Mary’s vision and passion have since helped to revolutionize the very notion of dance – as well as what defines a dancer. You can learn more about Mary’s inspiring journey in this 2012 interview with Marlo Thomas.

Furthering the mission of inclusive arts and recreation opportunities for all, the School of Dancing Wheels proudly opened its doors in 1990. Its state-of-the-art studios were soon regarded as a world-class training center for dancers, choreographers and educators. That same year, a partnership with the Cleveland Ballet created the groundbreaking Cleveland Ballet Dancing Wheels, which went on to delight audiences for nearly a decade.

To date, the Dancing Wheels Company’s inspirational mission has touched more than 5 million people through performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops. Millions more have enjoyed their artistry via appearances on CNN, “Good Morning America,” and the TV special “Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope.”

The March 21 workshop is open to all students with or without disabilities. For more information and to register, please call Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance at 304-242-7700.