Antiques
- Opinion: Antiques Aren’t a Gold Mine—They’re a Lifetime of Enjoyment
You don’t need a treasure map or a television crew to discover the value of antiques. Those events focus on finding cold gold, not warm mahogany. You’ve seen it on TV: a dusty vase in the attic suddenly worth tens of thousands, a painting nobody noticed that turns out to be priceless. Antiques Roadshow has made treasure hunting thrilling, but… Read more: Opinion: Antiques Aren’t a Gold Mine—They’re a Lifetime of Enjoyment - Why Blue Willow Dishware Captivates Collectors
If you’ve ever wandered through an antique shop or peeked into a grandmother’s china cabinet, chances are you’ve seen Blue Willow. That crisp blue-and-white pattern with the little pagoda, the willow tree, and the birds flying overhead is one of the most recognizable designs in the ceramic world. For collectors, it’s both approachable and endlessly fascinating. A Quick Backstory Willowware… Read more: Why Blue Willow Dishware Captivates Collectors - From Doorstep Thuds to Digital Searches: Why Old Directories Still Matter
Remember those bulky phone books that used to land on our porches with a satisfying thud? Most of us barely glanced at them before they went straight into the recycling bin. But here’s the funny thing—those books we once tossed aside are now collectible, sometimes selling for anywhere from $15 to $300. And if you go back even further, before… Read more: From Doorstep Thuds to Digital Searches: Why Old Directories Still Matter - Craftsman Style Homes: Portland’s Architectural Heritage
The Arts and Crafts movement began in England, but the offshoot Craftsman style thrived in Portland. Early in the 20th century, Portland was booming! That’s apparent today thanks to the abundance of Craftsman-style homes here.It was a time when, Portland’s population skyrocketed. By 1920, the city had more than doubled in size, with new neighborhoods from Concordia to Irvington and… Read more: Craftsman Style Homes: Portland’s Architectural Heritage - Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights
The term “Empire” in American Empire furniture refers to the style’s origins and inspirations from the French Empire style, which was prominent during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte (1804-1815). The French Empire style itself drew from classical Greek and Roman design elements, characterized by grandeur, opulence, and a sense of authority. When this style made its way to America in… Read more: Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights
Out and About
“I don’t mind [the painting] being disturbing. I think that’s a compliment in a way. I don’t want to disturb people but on the other hand, if they stick with it maybe they can accomplish something by being a little disturbed.”
Dorothy Hood
Podcasts
- Goya and the Darkness of Enlightenment
- Whispers Between the Pages
- The Talisman and the Temple
- When the Sea Wants Company
- Back Roads and Barns: A Hunter’s Tale
Portland
- June Art Openings 🎨 … First Thursday, June 4
Spend an evening immersed in Portland’s vibrant gallery scene, with standout exhibitions and receptions at Waterstone, Russo Lee, Augen, and Blackfish. A thoughtfully mapped 1.5-mile walking route makes it easy to experience multiple galleries in one inspiring night. Be sure to check each gallery’s website for the latest updates and event details before heading out.
Articles
Opinion: Antiques Aren’t a Gold Mine—They’re a Lifetime of Enjoyment
You don’t need a treasure map or a television crew to discover the value of antiques. Those events focus on finding cold gold, not warm mahogany. You’ve seen it on TV: a dusty vase in the attic suddenly worth tens of thousands, a painting nobody noticed that turns out to be priceless. Antiques Roadshow has…
Stacks and Stories at the Portland Fine Print Fair
The 2026 Portland Fine Print Fair rebounded impressively, attracting diverse crowds and featuring a variety of prints from across the country. Notable contributions included contemporary works by Stefanie Hofer and linocuts by Allison Saar. The fair emphasizes the accessibility of print collecting, appealing particularly to younger, grassroots collectors.
Collecting
