September Calendar for the Design Minded, Part 1

By Lynda Simonton

Newport Secret Garden Tour

20th Anniversary Exhibition: Highlights from the Last 20 Years

September 13–December 13

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking celebrates two decades with an exhibit featuring artists who have shown their work at the center over the years. Norwalk, (203) 899-7999, contemprints.org

Directors’ Cut: Selections from the Maine Art Museum Trail

Through September 20

The best of Maine art from museums across the state comes together under one roof in this exhibit highlighting Maine’s rich artistic history. The state’s importance in the American art scene continues to grow as the state gains status as a mecca for galleries, studios, and art museums. From Winslow Homer to N. C. Wyeth to Alex Katz, the exhibit studies Maine’s profound artistic legacy. Portland Museum of Art, Portland, Maine, (207) 775-6148, portlandmuseum.org

Importing Splendor: Luxuries from China

Through December 27

The Peabody Essex Museum’s Chinese export collection is considered one of the most extensive and recognized of its kind. The collection comprises furniture, paintings, and decorative objects created by Chinese artists in the 18th and 19th centuries for foreign markets. Visit the museum to learn about these decorative crafts and their historical significance. Salem, Mass., (978) 745-9500, pem.org

Rich and Tasty: Vermont Furniture to 1850

Through November 1

The Shelburne Museum presents a comprehensive exhibit of Vermont high-style furniture that, until recently, was known only to decorative arts scholars and collectors. The exhibit highlights pieces that define Vermont furniture’s stylistic features, craft, and innovation. Shelburne, Vt., (802) 985-3346, ­shelburnemuseum.org

Brimfield Antique Show

September 8–13

Mark your calendar for the fall Brimfield (Massachusetts) Antique Show. Considered one of the best and biggest antique and flea markets in the country, this show features more than 6,000 dealers selling everything from vintage bric-a-brac to fine antiques. Show hours and admission vary depending on field and venue location. brimfieldshow.com

Newport Secret Garden Tours

September 11 – 13

This annual tour will feature gardens “On & Off Bellevue Avenue” in historic Newport, Rhode Island. The self-guided tour will feature eight or more incredible private gardens for you to enjoy at your own pace. Funds raised from the event will support the arts education programs in the Aquidneck Island’s public schools.  10 a.m. –  5 p.m., tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the days of the tour, secretgardentours.org

You Can’t Spell Martha’s Vineyard Without ART Party

September 12

Mix and mingle with Martha’s Vineyard artists at this annual fund-raising event. A private home is the setting for enjoying appetizers, cocktails, and great art, with the artists’ work on display and for sale. A percentage of the sale proceeds will benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Edgartown, 6 p.m.–9 p.m., reservations required, $150, (508) 627-4441, x117, mvmuseum.org

Codman Estate Fine Arts & Crafts Festival

September 12

The historic Codman Estate welcomes guests to tour the property and shop at an extensive fine-crafts fair. The annual event features more than 100 artisans working in pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, fiber art, metalworking, and folk art. Lincoln, Mass., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free to Historic New England members and $5 for non-members, (617) 994-5914, historicnewengland.org