Antiques in April will return to MCCC for the tenth time on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3.
The antique show and sale features collectibles from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Roughly 60 vendors from across the U.S. exhibit at the show, according to Tom Ryder, campus and community events coordinator for MCCC.
The show will be available for viewing in the Health Education Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The $3 admission tickets can be purchased the day of the event, or in advance at the Cashier’s Office in the Admissions building. The Office can also be reached by calling (734) 384-4272.
Ryder, one of the coordinators of the show and sale, said it is fast becoming one of the best antique shows in the Midwest and features an unprecedented display of high quality antiques and collectibles.
Roughly 1,500 people attended last year’s weekend event, which hosted fifty-six exhibitors from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Jewelry, photographs, books, dolls, coins, pins, and high fashion furniture from the eighteenth century were some of the collectables available for viewing or purchasing.
This year’s event will introduce John Meeker. In his 30 years as a conservator, antiques have become a specialty, in addition to furniture conservation.
He said his earliest memories contain the scent of shellac and alcohol, watching his parent use steel wool against farm-salvaged antiques. It was then that he learned the essential ingredients to wood refinishing – a solvent, a finish, patience, and elbow grease.
He said he has held many jobs and apprenticeships in the furniture conservation and restoration industry, from house rehabilitation to repairing expensive antique collections and apprenticing under skilled French polishers with exclusive clientele.
Meeker has taken many classes in his 30 years as a conservator to both advance his workmanship and gain specialized skills like wood carving and leather conservation.
