Aledoan producing 50th anniversary antique show

February 26, 2013 by Randy Keck

Special to The Community News

On Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, the first antique and art show in the American west will welcome shoppers for the 50th year at Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Memorial Center. Few cities in the world host an antique and art show that is 50 years old, especially one whose customers range from former First Lady Laura Bush to “Storage Wars Texas” star Moe Prigoff.

Owned by Aledo resident Jan Orr-Harter, the former “Dolly Johnson Show” has taken a new name for its 50th anniversary. The Fort Worth Show of Antiques and Art has also expanded into a larger space, added 25 more exhibitors to its mix and teamed up with the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for the show’s Benefit Booth. There is even a rumor that Will Rogers himself will attend.

The Will Rogers Memorial Center has been home to the Fort Worth Show since it was founded in 1963. In 2009 the Johnson family sold the show to the Parker County antiques dealer and Fort Worth native Orr-Harter.
 
Changes have been occurring ever since. This year look for 100 top dealers from California to New York, unpacking antiques and art, including American, French, English, Jewelry, Industrial, Fashion, Traditional, Retro, Western, Repurposed, Garden and Mid-Century Modern. "What is unique about the Fort Worth Show is that I look for the freshest, hardest-working, most creative dealers in every category of merchandise,” said Orr-Harter. “And then I push them to bring their very best finds at their very best prices.”

Art Exhibit and Free Parking for Carpools of 3

 The Fort Worth Show will host the premiere exhibit for the life work of Seattle outsider artist Larry John Palsson. Full of color and vitality, the Palsson exhibit will be offered by J Compton Gallery of Wimberley, TX, a nationally- respected specialist in folk and outsider art.
 
In very good news for shoppers, the Fort Worth Show will offer free parking for carpools of three. Many of the show’s over 100 exhibitors will also offer a parking rebate with purchase.

For more information, visit www.fortworthshow.com or www.go2antiques.blogspot.com, call 817-291-3952 or email JanOH4@aol.com.

Special to The Community News