September 2017 Events for the Design Minded

September 5, 2017

Text by Lynda Simonton

From strolling antique shows looking for the perfect treasure, to fine-tuning your gardening knowledge, September is chock full of events for people who love design.

Brimfield Antique Show
September 5–10
Ready to find a treasure? Mark your calendar for the fall Brimfield Antique Show. Considered one of the best and biggest antique and flea markets in the country, the show has been a source for everything from everyday treasures to fine antiques for more than 50 years. Show hours and admission vary depending on field and venue location. Brimfield, Mass., brimfieldshow.org

Two Centuries of New England Gardens: Roseland’s Romantic Gardens
September 7
Roseland Cottage’s distinctive boxwood-edged parterre gardens were planted in the 1850s and continue to be maintained in period style. Learn about the history of the gardens, how Roseland’s staff keeps these gardens looking vibrant, and how you can use these ideas in your own garden. 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m., reservation required, $10 members, $20 non-members. Woodstock, (617) 994-6678, historicnewengland.org

Garden Conservancy Open Days
Gardens at the Clock Barn
September 9
This charming country garden has been a labor of love for its owners for 30 years. Highlights of the garden include a drying barn dating back to 1790, extensive vegetable gardens, a fairy garden, a greenhouse, woodland gardens, and much more. There will be family-friendly activities throughout the day, so bring the kids and enjoy an afternoon exploring this delightful garden.10 a.m.–4 p.m. $7. Carlisle, Mass., gardenconservancy.org

Hollister House Garden Garden Study Weekend VII Symposium
September 9
Hollister House and the Garden Conservancy host the annual Garden Study symposium at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury. Guests will enjoy a series of lectures given by thought leaders in the gardening world, including Jacqueline van der Kloet, Andrew Bunting, Tom Coward, and Jane Garmey. Admission includes breakfast and lunch and wraps up with cocktails and early buying at a sale of rare and unusual plants at the Hollister House Garden in Washington. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. $185 for HHG and Garden Conservancy members, $200 non-members. (860) 868-2200, hollisterhousegarden.org

Codman Estate Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
September 9
The historic Codman Estate welcomes guests to tour the property and shop at an extensive fine-crafts fair. Now in its 35th year, the annual event features more than 100 artisans working in pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, fiber art, metalworking, and folk art. There will also be music, food, and tours of the estate. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free to Historic New England members, $5 for nonmembers. Lincoln, Mass., (617) 994-5914, historicnewengland.org

Evening at Gropius House
September 15
Walter Gropius’s innovative lighting plan can be seen during this evening event at his architecturally influential home. Guests will enjoy a slideshow, tour, and light refreshments. 7 p.m.–9 p.m. $30 Historic New England members, $40 nonmembers. Lincoln, Mass., (781) 259-8098, historicnewengland.org

Living with Your Old House
September 16
This one-day workshop is designed to help you maintain and preserve your older home. Learn about how to repair your home, select period-appropriate paint colors, and establish a maintenance schedule. Presented in partnership with the Preservation Education Institute/Historic Windsor, and Historic New England. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $20 for Historic New England, Henry Sheldon Museum, PEI/HWI members, $30 non-members, registration required. Windsor Welcome Center, Windsor, Vt., historicnewengland.org

10th Annual Old-Fashioned Flea Market
September 17
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will hold its annual Old-Fashioned Flea Market on the museum grounds. There will be music, mini-tours of the mansion, and a popular collectibles sale. All proceeds will benefit the museum. Admission is free, $5
mansion tours. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Norwalk, (203) 838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

Provincetown Art Association and Museum’s Fall Special Consignment Auction
September 23
The museum’s annual fall auction features artwork by deceased artists who lived, studied, or worked on Cape Cod. The works will be available for preview September 8–23. Bidding will be live, but the museum will also accommodate absentee bids and phone bidding. Proceeds benefit the museum’s cultural and educational initiatives.7 p.m. Free. Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Provincetown, Mass., (508) 487-1750, paam.org

Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival
September 23–24
Meet the artisans behind some of Vermont’s finely handcrafted furniture, accessories, jewelry, and toys at this annual event. The show takes place in conjunction with the Forest Festival at the nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, so you can enjoy beautiful Vermont during fall foliage season. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $14 adults, $13 seniors, $8 children 5–13, $4 children 3–4. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, Vt., vermontwoodfestival.org

Golden Ball Tavern Museum Antiques Show
September 30
The Golden Ball Tavern Museum’s Annual Outdoor Antiques Show celebrates its 50th year. One hundred select dealers will be on hand, and area residents have donated vintage furniture and decorative items to be sold. A preview party in the barn on
Friday, September 29, includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and early access to the selection of donated items. Proceeds from this event support the Golden Ball Tavern, a museum and educational resource for schools and for students of the history of architecture and the decorative arts. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Early admission (7 a.m.) $25, regular admission $7, price includes museum admittance. Weston, Mass.,
(781) 894-1751, goldenballtavern.org

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