Park district's antiques class is back in vogue

An antiques class offered for the last 17 years at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum has been dusted off and is finding new life.

Fueled by the visibility of eBay, the online marketplace, and the public television series, "Antiques Roadshow," interest in antiques is growing.

Consequently, the timing is right for the next session of "Antiques -- What's It Worth?" which started Wednesday, and continues from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Feb. 27 at the museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights.

Karl Gates of Palatine leads the class, bringing his more than 35 years of experience as an antiques dealer and appraiser to the table, including three years as an appraiser for the U.S. Treasury Department.

"We cover all of the historical periods and styles including china, glass, jewelry, furniture and collectibles," says Gates, who draws on his lifelong interest in antiques and a degree in art history.

Cathy Robertson of the Arlington Heights Park District, programs museum classes. She says the antiques class has been a staple of their yearly offerings, but lately she has seen registration numbers mount.

"It draws people who are interested in antiques, as well as antique dealers themselves," Robertson says. "They're all interested in learning from Karl, who regularly conducts home sales, auctions and appraisals."

While Gates devotes the first half of each class to lecture, including showing video clips and using sample artifacts, he spends the next hour appraising antiques brought in by class members.

"Everyone is allowed to bring in one item per class," Gates says. "Over the years, we've seen some fascinating things."

Current trends in the market, he adds, include for the first time in many years a heightened interest in collecting fine art.

Gates points to statistics that show how online auction houses have driven as much as 40 percent of antique dealers out of business. Yet, at the same time, use of such marketplaces has made the hobby more accessible, he says.

Which is where he comes in, helping antique lovers to evaluate everything from cherished childhood items, to handed down family heirlooms, and debunking family myths.

If you go

What: "Antiques -- What's It Worth?" classes

When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27

Where: Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights

Cost: $47 for Arlington Heights residents, $50 for nonresidents

Call: (847) 577-3000 or visit www.ahpd.org