Galleries and Artists
Vintage Nest of Door County ... A Traveling Show
By Contributed
Jan 30, 2010 - 10:21:24 AM

    Winter in Wisconsin can be daunting, but Vintage Nest of Door County, the first “occasional sale” on the peninsula, is arriving just in time to dispel the chill in the air.  Featuring a variety of vintage pieces--clothing and collectibles, garden decorations, jewelry and clothing—Vintage Nest of Door County is a fashion feast whose theme hints at spring.        

     “I have experienced occasional sales as I have traveled around, they are popular in Minnesota, and fell in love with the concept, which is really based on a simple idea.  Artists come together under a theme and host a sale several times a year, thus the name ‘occasional sale,’” explained Angie McMahon, who owns Viva la Cottage in Ephraim.  “I felt it was time to bring the occasional sale home to Door County. 

     The physical location of each occasional sale might change, the artists may rotate, the theme can change, but what remains constant is the idea of creating art from reclaimed ‘stuff,’ things discovered and uncovered at flea markets or garage sales.  “The common denominator, however, is our passion for creating something beautiful from old items,” said McMahon.  “And what better time of the year to host the first occasional sale than February, when we are so ready spring and need some color.”

     The premiere Door County occasional sale will feature four local artists.  Carol Ballje of Egg Harbor is constantly on a quest for the vintage treasure.  “I am always looking for ‘the needle in the haystack,’” she smiled, “on a quest for the vintage pieces.  It’s fun to travel the backwoods through the Midwest and uncover something special.  I particularly love anything for the garden.”  Ballje’s In a Haystack will feature everything from wear-able art to garden art, all in a rainbow of spring colors.

     “I am ‘in the kitchen,’” smiled Julie Diltz, “and that is what I am bringing to the sale.  Vintage tablecloths, tea towels, a few cookbooks, Pyrex, handmade dishcloths, all of the fun stuff we like to surround us with in the kitchen.  Remember the lovely china of the 40s and 50s?  I am delighted to include a set or two.  I will even have some vintage kitchen stools as a treat.  Oh, and aprons, lots of fun aprons.  They are totally the rage right now.”  In addition to kiltzy kitchen, Diltz’s All My Best, Julie will also feature handmade hair adornments and children’s hats.

     Small Town Vintage, featuring the creativity of Katie Starr, will include an array of handmade artwork utilizing everything from buttons to paper.  “I incorporate old things, found tidbits, some random items, in my work.  I create photo albums, journals, a little of this and that.  I have a vision and then incorporate the things I have collected and include them in my art,” said Starr.  “I love the idea of an occasional sale and I am very excited to ‘think spring.’”

     Viva la Cottage, established in 1996, is a charming shop filled with surprising treasures and delightful creations.  Preparing for Vintage Nest of Door County, McMahon has been busy putting the finishing touches on a crown worthy of a spring queen.  “But I do have to keep some of my creations a secret so there are some special surprises.”

     Free and open to the public, Vintage Nest of Door County will be held in the former Jefferson Street Antiques building at 709 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay, on Saturday, February 6 from 10 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 7 from 10 – 3 p.m.   For additional information visit:  vivalacabin.blogspot.com or call Viva la Cabin at 920.854.6842.