Three or More...A Perspective on Antiques, Collecting and Pop Culture

Attention all shoppers...and collectors

No, its not an advertisement for Kmart

On Saturday, August 22nd at 7am - Rennigers Antique Market will hold American Small Business Stimulus Day. 

If you have an item you are no longer wanting, a duplicate, something that no longer works well with your decor...they are offering you a sweet deal in which to sell them.

Rennigers will waive their normal setup fee for their outdoor and pavilion space - the rate for the day will be $5.00 for a 8ft x 30 inch table.  Pavilion spaces are 10ft x 25ft deep.

They will rent extra tables for $3.oo ea.  Now you can't beat that!

Advanced reservations are suggested.  Please call 610-683-6848 for more information!

www.renningers.com

John Lennon Exhibit in New York City

Recently, a new exhibit -- "John Lennon: The New York City Years" -- opened at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in New York City.

The exhibition offers a glimpse into Lennon's life in New York. Lennon called the Big Apple home from 1971 until 1980.

Visitors will get to see some of his original artwork, lyric sheets and production notes along with handwritten manuscripts and his Steinway piano.

Also, videos playing experimental films by Lennon, and also music clips will play on four large screens for your viewing pleasure.

The most interesting aspect of the exhibit: a white phone is mounted at the exit. If it rings, make sure to pick it up. Yoko Ono will occassionally call looking to chat with visitors.

If you visit this exhibit, please post your review here for others to read.

Who says Cuban cigars are the only goods in demand from Cuba?

Cuban cigars have always been the "forbidden fruit" for Americans.  You've had to travel abroad to enjoy one, or if you smuggle them back into the country, you better hope you don't get caught.

Another item that was once in demand is now hot again...Cuban Art.

With Obama opening talks between Cuba and the US again, the fire has been re-lit for Cuban Art. Recently at the Havana Biennial arts festival, there were over 1,000 Americans walking the show in search of something special.  Many on the floor were curators from museums looking to fill gaps that were left after President Bush limited restrictions on US travel to Cuba in 2004.

Prices from before the 2004 travel restrictions have not decreased with the lack of Americans buying. So should your travels take you to Cuba, expect to pay anywhere from $750 - $45,000 for a work of art. (how's that for a spread?!)

Should the travel restrictions lift,  you might see prices go even higher with more Americans clamoring for art not easily attainable before.

So the question you should be asking yourself here....Is my passport renewed??

Something for next to nothing....

I don't know about you, but I like something for nothing.  Very few things in life are free, so when I see a good deal, I'm gonna talk about it.

If you like a bit of nostalgia, the Geppi Entertainment Museum is for you.  This museum offers a look at over 6,000 items of American Pop Culture from the last 250 years.  So what that translates to is a look back in time for things like cartoon character's, TV entertainers, sports collectibles, toys and so much more.  And the best thing about it?  It's not just for kids!  It's a family experience.  Bring your grandma (so she can see what stuff of yours she threw out!), your mom, yourself, your kids...EVERYONE!

Now, why is it something for next to nothing?  If you visit the museum on a day the Orioles or the Ravens are playing home games...you get in for $1.00.  Yup, just a buck!  Even better...you can have a tour guide for another dollar.

That I'd think can fit into anyones budget!

Geppis Entertainment Museum is located at Camden Yards in Baltimore MD - on the second floor at 301 W. Camden St. 

For more information call: 410-625-7060

Or visit their website at: www.geppismuseum.com

Spring = Flea Markets, Garage Sales and More...

I love Springtime. The flowers are in bloom, the weather begins to warm up (except for the residents of Kansas, Wisconsin, and North Dakota this past weekend!) which can mean only one thing...

Time to go shopping!

Yes girls, not just for new Spring wardrobes, but also for collectibles. Vintage handbags, estate jewelry, fine stemware, a great set of 50s dinnerware. I could go on and on...

There are thousands of yard sales, estate sales, and flea markets popping up in big and small cities alike, just waiting for you to bring yourself and your cash - in hopes of finding that next hidden treasure.

And might I add, they still turn up!  Even with all the free information readily available on the Internet, people still clear out their basements, attics and closets giving little consideration to what their items are worth.

I don't know about you, but the thrill of the hunt is almost as exciting as the purchase itself!

I've had a few good scores over the years. Even early on when I had absolutely NO idea what I was doing.  I think it's what got me hooked.  One of the first yard sales I went to I bought a Matthey Tissot two-tone (stainless and gold) wristwatch for $5.00.  A local flea market turned up a miniature carnival glass blackberry compote in blue for the same price.

I stopped going to yard sales and flea markets once I moved to the Midwest. I only seemed to come across used baby clothes and broken toys.  One day I passed one, and I was bored, so I stopped in. I bought a box of vintage sports cards for $10. It contained about 50 or so cards including 2 rookie OJ Simpson cards (no tossing tomatoes please), and a Hakeem Olajuwon rookie card.  Once again, I was hooked.

In my experience, the best flea markets and yard sales can be found on the East Coast. I am not quite sure why that is, but they have rarely been good to me in the Midwest, and in Texas they aren't weren't any better. However, in NY I could run out of money before I ran out of things to buy.

Which brings me to the purpose of my current blog (and you thought it was to get you spending money to help the economy?!)

I was told about a "must shop" flea market in Brooklyn the other day. I never go to Brooklyn (not that there is anything wrong with it, simmer down now) for anything. However, after visiting the website, and hearing the recommendations, I'm thinking I might have to.

The Brooklyn Flea is open on the weekends - Saturday & Sunday from 11-6pm.  It is located at 76 & 81 Front Street.  This flea market has a lot to offer.  150 vendors offering great deals on vintage furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, antiques and even some modern jewelry, apparel, and more. Oh, and there is an interesting array of food ventors. Who wants to shop on an empty stomach? 

Oh, did I mention they have a DJ spinning tunes for you to help get you in the mood?  Now that's my kind of flea market. "Do a little dance, spend a few bucks...collect tonight....collect tonight"...ahem.

Beginning the weekend of April 18th they relocate to the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School  - Fort Greene, Brooklyn.  Hours are Saturdays from 10-5pm, rain or shine.

Do you want to know more? Of course you do!  Visit their website at:

www.brooklynflea.com

You can check out images of some of the regular vendors, hit them up on Twitter (yea, how 21st Century is that?!) and even get more information on setting up shop there if you've got some extra goodies you want to sell.

Now that I have let you in on this special little place, why not do me a favor in return?  I'd love to hear more about your favorite flea market find!  Post a comment here!

Till next time... Happy Hunting!

Reyne