Dateline: 11/9/99
The big vintage and modern costume jewels collectors banquet happened again: Vintage Fashion & Costume Jewelry Club's Biennial Convention was hosted by the Radisson Airport Hotel, in Warwick, Rhode Island, for the fourth time since 1993.
A slightly quieter but more relaxed atmosphere than in past years prevailed this year. Almost as many Conventioneers attended as in 1997, both familiar and new faces were seen.
Many Conventioneers had arrived a day or two in advance, to visit with each other and view each others jewelry collections. And to go shopping for more jewels and jewelry supplies in Providence and surrounding areas, naturally.
A favorite stop is always Wolf E. Myrow, the giant findings and components closeout warehouse in Providence. Anthony and Irene Antonelli, owners, and their able staff, were on hand to personally serve the shopping Conventioneers, many of whom had never visited Myrow's before. That they were overwhelmed by its size and choices is probably an understatement. Some of them found it hard to contain their enthusiasm as they dove hard into the big cavernous building, checking off their shopping lists as they progressed through the long aisles and up and down the steps.
While at Myrow's, Liz met with another old friend from Providence, well known silver artist Olle Johanson who had invited her and friend Conventioneer Joanne Brennan from Canada to visit him in his atelier. Olle is currently very busy working on several large commissions for customers of the galleries where his work is represented.