SHAG-adelic: Artist Captures Mid-century Vibe

Josh Agle, known professionally as Shag (stylized as SHAG), is a contemporary artist widely known for his distinctive style that captures the essence of mid-century modernism and retro pop culture. With his vibrant colors, bold designs and playful characters, SHAG is an icon in the world of modern art. Recently, his “L.A. Modern (Day),” 2005, […]

Collectors Giddy-Up at American West Auction

An affinity for the lore and history of the American West was the common denominator connecting premier dealers with enthusiastic collectors at Brian Lebel’s 33rd annual Cody Old West Show & Auction held June 23-25 in Santa Fe, NM. A much-anticipated highlight of the long weekend was the June 24 onsite auction of Western and […]

Guilty!

Michigan art dealer, who preyed on seniors in a bizarre and outrageous scheme, pleads guilty to $1.5 million fraud. A Michigan art dealer, who targeted elderly clients, has pled guilty to defrauding more than 10 collectors out of an estimated $1.5 million in a lengthy and often bizarre scheme where she faked serious illness – […]

Disney at 100

Since the first Disney cartoons in 1923, to all the movies and music and TV shows that followed, our love affair with The Mouse has been undeniable. When it comes to collecting, Disney remains the undisputed king, as evidenced by the continuing high demand for vintage Disney items at auction. By Noah Fleisher   It’s […]

American Furniture Styles

When the first settlers arrived in America in the 1600s, they brought little with them to furnish their new homes; ships simply couldn’t accommodate much more than a chest or so of belongings per family. When they arrived, they were happy to find ample timber, which furniture makers transformed into the first pieces of early […]

When Every Piece of Glass is a Carnival

Shimmering with luminescent colors on crisply molded shapes, carnival glass dazzles. Pieces were initially made to be attractive, functional, and affordable when Fenton Art Glass introduced them in 1907. This new glassware became so popular that other American manufacturers soon developed competing lines to satisfy the enormous demand. Though carnival’s “classic” period ended around 1925, […]

Being Barbie’s Boyfriend? It’s Not Ken-Tastic

Best advice if you’re thinking about dating the world’s most famous doll with the world’s most popular movie? Run, Ken, run! By Paul Kennedy   I feel for Ken, the poor sap. It’s not his fault. Not really. There are forces at work in the universe we are powerless against. I can speak with some […]

Clowning Around with Red Wing Stoneware

Red Wing Stoneware Company, one of the largest producers of utilitarian pottery and stoneware in the United States, has been an iconic name in Minnesota’s history since 1877. That legacy is still going strong with collectors, who were eager to snap up pieces offered in a July 10 Red Wing Dinnerware, Art Pottery & Stoneware […]

Hal Crecy Clown Painting

Q:  I came across this clown painting at a yard sale and bought it. Not everyone likes clowns, I know, but there’s something about it that I enjoy. From what I can see, the painting is signed “Hal Crace.” Any idea how much it’s worth? A:  Determining original art and deciphering an artist’s signature often […]

Barbie Remains a Living Doll

Little could Ruth Handler have realized that her first foray into the world of dolls would help create an America icon, a touchstone of cultural politics and one of the most amazing success stories in the history of children’s toys, all while laying the foundation for a hit movie—Barbie, naturally—starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, […]