WOW FACTOR

One of the Midwest’s premiere style and design shows is back for another year and promises a feast for the eyes for anyone looking to transform their interiors.

Presented by the Winnetka Community House Woman’s Board on Thursday, November 2 through Sunday, November 5, the show will spotlight more than 40 dealers from around the country and two from England. In addition to home furnishings and accessories, the show will feature artwork, clothing, and jewelry.

Now in its 51st year, over the decades the show has become a popular social gathering as well as an important fundraiser for the Community House and its programs. At the Preview Party and show on Thursday, November 2, attendees can sip on specialty cocktails and dine on seasonal fare, all while getting early access to buy items that are for sale.

“The Preview Party is just a fun, spectacular event even if you don’t plan to buy anything,” says Kathryn Kish, who along with fellow Winnetka resident Kelly Laszlo is chairing this year’s event. “It’s a wonderful reason to dress up, shop, and enjoy delicious food and drink. In the past five years we’ve been seeing lot of groups of young women with their friends. It’s a girls’ night out, but couples and men still attend.”

A lot of volunteer hours go into making the Antiques + Modernism show the beloved affair that it is. Kish credits the full 60-member Woman’s Board for its commitment to making the show a success every year. They all actively work on sponsorships and putting the Preview Party and show together.

“We’re not a board where you write your check for your dues and go to an event at the end of the year,” she says. “It’s a working board and we’re passionate about the Community House and the fact that we’re providing support for its operating budget. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun.”

In addition to support for the work of the Woman’s Board, Kish chalks up the show’s success to always having new dealers so there’s something fresh for buyers every year.

She also says that now in its 51st year, the show sells itself.

It’s become social mainstay on the North Shore spanning generations of families. Many in the community also feel an emotional connection with the Winnetka Community House.

“We want to make sure it’s a fabulous party that drives people to come back year after year,” Kish says. “People in Winnetka and the surrounding North Shore are passionate about the Community House. It has been around so many years and serves such an important part of our day-to-day life.”

Laszlo moved to Winnetka about eight years ago and, with a young daughter, was drawn to the Community House’s programming for kids. A few years later she joined the Woman’s Board and is thrilled to be co-chairing this year’s show.

“The first year I attended the show I just remember how much hard work went into it as a board and I was in awe of how they pulled it off,” she says. “Kathryn is a great partner to work with and it’s just a really unique event and that’s what has drawn me into it.”

One special feature of this year’s show will be Shop the Show on Saturday morning with nationally known dealer and appraiser J. Michael Flanigan, who appeared on “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS from 2012-2015.

Tickets to the Antiques + Modernism show are $15 for the weekend with an advance purchase, $20 at the door. Tickets to the Preview Party are $150 in advance, $175 at the door and include three-day admission to the show.

Laszlo says one of the things she likes best about the show is it showcases a variety of options to the area as far as antiques, jewelry, vintage couture—things if you’re looking for something really distinctive to add a personal touch to your home. It shows a variety of options you can add.

“I love this show because you can find so many unique and interesting pieces.” she says. “I’ve attended the Preview Party for years and I think it’s really spectacular. I hope people attend and take advantage of all the show has to offer.”

The Antiques + Modernism show takes place from November 2 to 5 at Winnetka Community House. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thewinnetkashow.com.