The Antiques + Modernism Show, scheduled for November 3 through 6 at the Winnetka Community House, is definitely not your mother’s (or grandmother’s) antique show. Featuring 50 dealers from the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom, it is easy to see why this is one of the area’s most anticipated fall events.

Kim Ronan, a co-chair of the show with Elyse Hahner, promises that this year’s Antiques + Modernism Show, which is celebrating its 50th year and is a benefit for the Community House, will be better than ever. The show last took place in 2019, as the 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to COVID. “The anticipation of bringing the event back and seeing the special pieces our exhibitors bring with them just for this show is absolutely wonderful.”

Marty Shapiro and Kaye Gregg, the husband and wife owners of Chicago’s Finnegan Gallery and long-time Winnetka exhibitors, also perform double duty as the liaisons for the Antiques Council, a nonprofit organization of antique dealers, which has managed the show for the past 13 years. The Council is responsible for the recruitment and careful selection of every participating exhibitor at the show. Expect to find items ranging from fine period American and European furniture, jewelry, glassware, works of fine art, and vintage clothing, along with many pieces of cutting-edge 20th-century design.

“For people coming to the show there is something at every price point, but one of the most important things we do is to ensure that all exhibitors guarantee and stand behind every item they offer for sale,” Shapiro says. “All merchandise is examined by Antiques Council representatives before the show opens to the public. Exhibitors are required to have labels on all pieces which at a minimum must include: A brief description of the item, the age, country of origin, and any restoration or repairs as well as the price.”

“You will find that almost all of our dealers go out of their way to make every visitor feel welcome,” says Gregg. “As passionate collectors themselves, dealers love to chat about and show what they have brought.” Gregg speaks from experience as she and Shapiro have owned the highly regarded Finnegan Gallery for more than 25 years. The 6,000-square-foot gallery—open by appointment during the week and open to the public on weekends— is located in Chicago’s Forest Glen neighborhood and specializes in antique garden furniture, ornament, and architectural items sourced from Europe and the United States. Landscape and architectural design firms nationwide view the gallery as a go-to source for some of the finest garden antiques to be found anywhere in the country.

“We travel to Europe and the United Kingdom with a large ‘wish list’ approximately four to five times a year and always in search of only the best pieces for our clients,” Shapiro says.

The Winnetka Antiques + Modernism Show will open at the Winnetka Community House with a preview party on the evening of November 3. The show will open to the public beginning Friday, November 4 and end on Sunday, November 6. The featured speaker on Friday will be Megan Caswell, who will share her journey of becoming an interior designer and her experiences on HGTV. Most importantly, she’ll explain “how to avoid design crime” and create your own livable home.

Saturday will feature Laura Dowling, author, speaker, designer, and the White House’s Chief Floral Designer from 2009 to 2015. She will present a program featuring her signature floral tips and techniques for fall and winter as well as share some behind-the-scenes stories of her White House years.

All funds raised will benefit the Winnetka Community House. “The Community House is really the center of our community … a hub if you will,” says Ronan. “This show directly goes to supporting that!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thewinnetkashow.com. For more information about Finnegan Gallery, visit finnegangallery.com.