Antiques and Modernism — the Community House’s largest fundraiser — will return after two-year break

For 51 weeks a year, the Community House Winnetka bustles with art classes, theater performances, basketball games and more. But for one special weekend, the neighborhood hub is transformed into an art and design destination.

Not, however, for the past two years, as the popular event was canceled because of the spread of COVID-19.

This year, the beloved Antiques + Modernism Show Winnetka is back and in celebrating its 50th year will soon host 50 dealers showcasing home furnishings, accessories, jewelry and more, in styles ranging from antique to contemporary.

Presented by the Woman’s Board of Winnetka’s Community House, the A+M Winnetka show premieres with a preview party on Thursday, Nov. 3, followed by the main event from Friday-Sunday, Nov. 4–6. 

“The entire Community House becomes a Merchandise Mart of sorts, with dealers in different rooms and hallways,” said Kim Ronan, Woman’s Board member and co-chair of the show,

Attendees can snake through the building to find art, rugs, lamps, clothing, and design pieces in a spectrum of styles. The variety of items has made the show popular both for seasoned designers and casual browsers for decades.

This year also features three speaking events: a private tour of the show led by J. Michael Flanigan of “Antiques Roadshow”; a talk on creating a livable luxury home with Meg Caswell, of HGTV; and tips and stories on floral design techniques from Laura Dowling, chief floral designer at the White House from 2009–2015.

People who buy tickets to the preview party will get first dibs on the wares, while enjoying an upscale evening with food, drink, and art.

“It’s sort of like attending a gala in a big museum. The atmosphere is always a lot of fun,” Ronan said.

A+M Winnetka is “the largest fundraiser for the Community House,” she added. As a nonprofit organization, the Community House relies in large part on the Woman’s Board to raise money for the longstanding educational and cultural institution.

Whether attending the preview party or not, Ronan encourages potential shoppers to think of the event broadly.

“There really is something for everyone at all price points,” she said. “There’s art and contemporary pieces, decorative items for the house — everyone can find something.”

To learn more about A+M, tickets, and times, visit www.thewinnetkashow.com. 

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