There are antique shows, thrift sales and museum exhibitions galore this month. Here’s the skinny on what’s happening.
Dixon May Sale: On March 9 and 10, I’ll be about two hours north of San Jose in Dixon – not far from UC- Davis – for the annual Dixon May Sale. About 40 antiques and collectibles vendors will be on site. The money raised will support charities of the Dixon chapter of Soroptomist International.
Plenty of folks from the Bay Area head to this popular gig, where I will be available for informal evaluations of tag sale finds and family heirlooms from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. both days. There is a $5 donation per object.
Details: Indoors at the Dixon May Fairgrounds, 655 S. First St., Dixon. Admission: $6. Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free parking. For more information call 530-241-4063, or visit tbcashows.info.
Piedmont Community Church Treasure Sale: The Piedmont Community Church hosts its yearly treasure sale on March 16 and 17. There will be thousands of donations, including furniture, books, linens, housewares, jewelry, art, toys, china, silver, crafts, holiday decor, purses, bikes and garden items. And who can say what antiques and collectibles might lurk amid the vast array still being collected and sorted?
Details: Piedmont Community Church, 400 Highland Way, Piedmont. March 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. No early sales, pets or strollers. Please bring your own totes or bags. Cash and checks only. Proceeds support a spring service trip to Mexico for 260 high school students who will build 20 homes for needy families. For more information, call 510-547-5700, or visit piedmontchurch.org.
Spring Best of the Box: Held twice a year at San Jose’s Thrift Box, the spring sale takes place March 29 and 30. This special event features high-end, designer merchandise. Proceeds go to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Savvy shoppers will line up early to get first dibs on the best selections.
Among the choice china and glass will be pieces by Lladro and Orrefors, plus a variety of Aram, Nambe and Arthur Court serving pieces. You’re sure to see contemporary dinnerware in the mix as well.
There will also be vintage kitchen items, linens, dolls, framed art, old toys, books, fine jewelry, designer scarves, handbags, shoes and accessories. Also up for grabs will be “mantiques” such as tools, vinyl records and cameras.
Details: The Thrift Box, 1362 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. March 29, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Strollers, backpacks, or large purses not allowed. Credit cards accepted, ATM on premises. Not that “The Box” will be closed March 28 to prepare for the sale. For more information, call 408-294-4490, or visit thriftbox.org.
Preservation Action Council Sale: The Preservation Action Council of San Jose Spring Garage and Treasures Sale takes place March 28-30.
The block-long event will feature garden art, midcentury housewares, metal art, glass, china, linens, vintage radios, small furniture, local history books, T-shirts featuring neon signs and more. Highlights are 400 bound volumes of the San Jose Mercury News dating to the 1880s. Prices are $5-$40.
Details: 260 South 13th St., San Jose. March 28 and 29, 9 a.m. until dusk. March 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To donate or for information, call Patt at 408-294-3599, email donations@preservation.org or visit http://preservation.org. PAC*SJ is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving San Jose history as seen through its architecture.
On another note, Brian Grayson, executive director of PAC, is retiring later this month after more than 11 years of effective leadership. Grayson’s appreciated efforts include saving the domed Century 21 theater, the “Dancing Pig” sign (Stephen’s Meat Products) and recovery of the beloved Orchard Supply sign. His historical legacy will linger for years. Sincere thanks from the community for a job well done.
Vintage Lace and Linen Sale: The Lace Museum will hold its semi-annual sale on March 22 and 23.
This fundraiser will feature hundreds of vintage pieces such as lace-edged handkerchiefs, pillow cases, bedspreads, napkins, table runners, placemats, even baby clothes. In addition to the sale, be sure to see the latest exhibit “A Garden Party” – a celebration of the 1920s.
Details: The Lace Museum, 552 South Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. Members-only pre-sale: Thursday, March 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Public sale: Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, 9:30-4:30 Admission is free, but donations welcome. For more information, call 408-730-4695, or visit lacemuseum.org.
Saratoga History Museum exhibit: “Apron Strings and Vintage Things”, an exhibit featuring more than 60 colorful aprons dating from 1870 to the present, is on through April 28 at the Saratoga History Museum.
Artist and curator Bonnie Stone will launch the exhibit on March 16 at 1 p.m. with a short presentation on aprons she has known and loved. Many of the aprons on display are from her collection. They have been worn by both men and women and are made from a variety of materials such as feed sacks, gingham and muslin.
Details: 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd., Saratoga. Museum hours: Fridays, 1 p.m-4 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sundays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 408-867-431 or visit saratogahistory.com.