It’s almost time. The October 4-5 taping event for season 13 of Chesapeake Collectibles is just around the corner. The show’s appraisers will find out if any of the rare, or unique, or historic, or iconic items they long to see are going to appear and spark this year’s ultimate “WOW” moment.
This blog is finishing up its series on our experts’ wish-list day dreams with Genice Lee, one of the generalist gurus, and Kathleen Hamill, the go-to analyst on contemporary and modern art.
Lee’s hope: a doll of Beloved Belindy. Internet sources will tell you that’s a reference to dolls based on a 1920s racially stereotyped character from the Raggedy Ann and Andy book series.
But Lee explains: “Though Beloved Belindy can be viewed as controversial in today’s era of political correctness — given that her depiction aligns with the mammy stereotype of the past — I see her as a figure of leadership, caregiving, and moral guidance, as originally written in the stories that featured her.”
Both the dolls and books are highly collectible.
For Hamill, whose focus is modern and contemporary art, a particularly special moment could involve very specific finds in outsider and folk art.
“Outsider art is created by an artist who has no formal training and works outside of the mainstream art market,” says Hamill. “These works are so fascinating because they are highly individualistic and use unconventional materials. I would love for a viewer to bring me a piece by Sister Gertrude Morgan or Mose Tolliver.”
That would certainly satisfy the “individualistic” aspect. “Sister Morgan is said to have stated she was instructed by God to start making pictures of the world to come,” Hamill explains. And Tolliver rivets attention with “his primitive portrayals of people and animals. . . . While he does have some racy not-safe-for-work paintings, I am really hoping to just see one of a bird.”
Hoping is eternal. And there are ALWAYS surprises. Our appraisers and production staff are ready. It’s almost time.
Registration closes on Monday, September 22 for the October 4-5 Chesapeake Collectibles Season 13 taping event. Time slots are filling up fast. Visit mpt.org/programs/chesapeakecollectibles/ today to reserve your spot!
Watch encore episodes of Chesapeake Collectibles anytime on the free PBS app and online at video.mpt.tv/show/chesapeake-collectibles/.
