Martha Stewart to speak at opening of Charleston antiques show, house and garden tour

Contributed byHistoric Charleston Foundation

Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, best selling author, and host of the daily television show Martha, will open the 2006 Charleston International Antique Show (CIAS) and 59th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens with a luncheon lecture March 17, 2006, in Charleston, SC.

Organized by Historic Charleston Foundation, CIAS coincides with the first weekend of the foundation’s long renowned annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, which runs March 16–April 15. Proceeds from both programs support the preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation, which was founded in 1947 to protect Charleston’s architectural, historical, and cultural integrity. Held during the peak of the historic port city’s blooming season, the festival offers guests the opportunity to explore the private residential interiors and gardens of approximately 150 of America’s most distinctive houses in 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.

Now in its third year, CIAS has quickly established itself as a premier destination for seasoned collectors and those who just enjoy seeing and learning about the decorative arts. More than 30 dealers will return for the 2006 CIAS, featuring a diverse range of antiques from the late 17th century to the early 20th century, including American, Asian, and European furniture, silver and porcelain, textiles, ceramics, vintage jewelry and clothing, and garden furniture.

“The foundation’s annual antiques show and house tours have attracted the attention of connoisseurs of various renown from around the world,” said Kitty Robinson, Historic Charleston Foundation executive director. “To have Martha Stewart serve as our honorary chair this year is a high compliment indeed and underscores the important preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation.”

In addition to CIAS, the festival offers a diverse range of programs throughout the month including luncheon lectures, Eat & Run tours, a harbor cruise, oyster roasts at Drayton Hall, an “Evening with Mozart” at the Nathaniel Russell House, and plantation excursions. A complete calendar and ticket prices can be found at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.