Feb. 2, 2009 — You don't need a mink coat in the Virgin Islands, of course, but you might like to have one handy if you're heading to northern climes this winter.
Or perhaps you'd like an elegant Oriental rug as a lap robe for an auto trip. These items are only the icing on the cake for the Hebrew Congregation's upcoming Antiques, Art and Collectibles Auction, which begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Antilles School's MCM Center, a new venue this year.
The live auction begins at noon. The doors open at 10 a.m. so prospective bidders may peruse the sale tables.
More than 125 items will be on sale or up for bid in the congregation's 10th annual auction, and the wide range of treasures will fit any pocketbook, from a $1 sale-table trinkets to Oriental furniture and art, West Indian furniture or the aforementioned rug, valued at $35,000.
The congregation presents a glorious selection each year. The auction is lots of fun, with friends and strangers casting a wily eye as they bid against one another.
The auction weekend opens with a champagne preview from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the MCM Center. Silent auction bidding begins then, too, and a second preview will take place.
This year's live auction will have 126 items, and there's more than antique furniture. The auction boasts two etchings by St. Thomas-born Camille Pissarro; paintings by Shansi Miller, Lucinda Schutt and other fine artists; sculpture by Jan Mitchell and Caroll Sirhakis; personally autographed baseballs by Mets superstars Jose Reyes and Johan Santana; and getaways to St. Barth's, Tortola, Maine, New York and elsewhere.
It's the place to bid for new and vintage jewelry, dozens of gift certificates for weekend getaways, day sails, restaurants, shops, legal and medical services, and much more.
For many, the real lure of the annual synagogue auction is the sale tables, with items ranging from $1 to several hundred dollars.
Auctioneer Bruce Wilson of St. Croix brings down the gavel at noon. Silent auction tables will close between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Chef Damaris Catering will provide food.
Proxy bidding is available for those who cannot be at the auction; call the synagogue at 774-4312 for details.
For photos and descriptions of most items, go to synagogue.typepad.com. For a list of auction items in order, go to stthomassynagogue.com.
For more information, call Penny Feuerzeig at 774-9316 or 690-5451.
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