Antiques show to highlight folk art, quilts

If folk art or country antiques are your passion, you will want to head to the Northern Illinois Antiques Dealers Association show Saturday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20, near Rockford

While these are special strengths among the approximately 40 dealers at the show, a variety of treasures will be exhibited, said Robert Campbell, show manager and a Genoa dealer.

“People have always liked to collect folk art — they just like the look of it, and don't necessarily care if it's antique,” said Campbell.

Quilts — which several dealers will show — can be considered folk art, he said.

“They are handmade and very visual. Some people use them on tables; some drape them or hang them on the wall. And you can put them on a bed and use them for their original purpose,” he said.

Dealers specializing in silver and jewelry will also be at the show. Fans of game boards, textiles, furniture and pottery should attend, said Campbell.

Mary Lou's Crystal and China Repair will be available to assess damaged pieces.

The association donates profits from the show to museums and historic preservation groups.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20; and 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Admission is $5. Forest Hills Lodge is on Route 173. Take the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) to Route 173 and turn west three miles. The address is 1601 W. Lane Road, Loves Park. The lodge offers free parking, and food will be available.

E-mail NIADA@aol.com or call Campbell at (815) 761-1444.