Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily TimesConstance Spencer exhibited 32 pieces of varied artwork Saturday during the 58th Antique Show and Sale hosted by the Garden Center at Mathis City Auditorium.

VALDOSTA — A gem among the 17 vendors at the Garden Center’s 58th Antique Show and Sale was 92-year-old Norma Folsom. 

A fundraiser for repairs of The Crescent, the show was held at Mathis City Auditorium, Sept. 21-23.

Folsom, Seven Sisters co-owner, began her collectibles business with her youngest sister following the passing of her husband to occupy her spare time, she said.

The former school teacher traveled from Jacksonville, Fla., to be a part of the Garden Center antique show Saturday. Her daughter, Nancy Beardsley, came from Arizona to drive Folsom to the show.

“It’s not too far from Jacksonville, and the ladies who run it are nice; and I just enjoy the people,” Folsom said. “Every now and then, I sell something.”

On Saturday, the collector sold war pins, fine china, porcelain and a myriad of other items. She has participated in the show for at least four years and said this is the only antique show she’ll do.

North Carolina resident Judith Killingstad and her fur-baby, Bella, sold 18th century cutlery boxes, fine china, bronzed items and more century-old items.

Killingstad has been buying and selling antiques for 50 years and shares her business, Old Friends Antiques, with her husband.

“We think this is a very friendly town. We like it, and we come back every year,” she said. “We love the people who are here who work at the Garden Center. They’re so nice to us, and they treat us very well.”

The Purse Lady Hilary Eiseman came from Marietta to sell vintage and designer handbags and accessories from various countries.

This was Eiseman’s third year being a vendor for the Garden Center show.

“I really enjoy participating and supporting The Crescent,” she said. “I love doing smaller shows that participate and involve the community.”

Though the antiques were the star Saturday, they were supported by one artist.

Resting in the lobby leading to the main attraction were 32 pieces of artwork from Constance Spencer.

Upon arrival, guests encountered mixed-media paintings of an orange octopus under water and multicolored flowers, various gourds and more.

“I think that adding more elements to the antiques is important as it crosses generational lines and brings in a variety of viewers to the show, and once you get in the door, you want to see it all,” Spencer said.

Judy Pinkston, show chairman, said it creates an economic impact in the local community by bringing out-of-town vendors.

She said the vendors were in Valdosta from Thursday through Sunday, sometimes until Monday.

“Every night, somebody’s asking me ‘What’s a good restaurant;’ and so, we send them out to all these different restaurants,” Pinkston said. “When they leave the show, they eat (and) they shop.”

During the show Saturday, wood craftsman Dave Richards held a woodturner demonstration for guests. Baskets were raffled Sunday to four winners.

The baskets contained gift certificates to local restaurants, rental of The Crescent, tickets to a college football game, a signed football by Kirby Smart, wine bottles, cheese knives and more. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.