Antiques, art and architecture are the foremost features of the five homes to be showcased during the 16th Annual Lakewood Home Festival Nov. 6-7.
The walking tour, which benefits Lakewood Elementary School, encompasses seven blocks in historic Lakewood.
Four homes are included in the 6600-7100 blocks of Lakewood Boulevard. A fifth home is located one block away on Lakeshore Drive. The homes are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
John and Vickie Thompson have opened their home, the oldest on the tour, to the talents of quilter and tour organizer Kitty Ring, who has converted the 1920s classic into a house of quilts.
From wall hangings to bed coverings, the five-room, 50-piece display includes wedding, Christmas, friendship and antique quilts.
“One of the quilts being donated for display traveled cross-country on a covered wagon with the donor’s ancestors,” Ring says.
Artist Jim Colley and his wife, Dr. Barbara Shinn, will invite guests into their three-story home featuring the artist’s work throughout. Included is a visit to Colley’s third-floor studio, which offers a view of their lavishly landscaped grounds. Their son’s bedroom is designed around a four-wall, floor-to-ceiling mural.
“My work could be described as realist art, in the spirit of America,” Colley says, “but the bedroom mural is filled with fun. There’s a beanstalk, a bow and arrow that pulls a rainbow across the wall, trains and trucks, with plans for a nursery rhyme on the ceiling.”
The 1939 Georgian home of John and Christie Davis is highlighted with artifacts and antiques acquired during their travels. As part of the tour, the Davis family women will present their collection of hand-painted porcelain dolls, while the men offer a glimpse into their third-story “boys’ room”.
Terry and Ann Conner’s home is a replica of the 18th century Colonial Williamsburg plantation of George Wythe, who signed the Declaration of Independence.
“We commissioned our home in 1989,” says Mrs. Conner, a Wythe descendant, “and we’ve complemented the Colonial architecture with traditional furnishings.”
The home of Jane and Joe Carson Davis reflects Mrs. Davis’ decorative flair and sense of detail with color. The Davis’ extensive bird house collection also will be featured on the tour.
As part of the festivities, the Lakewood Pre-School PTA presents its annual arts and crafts fair, featuring 70 juried artists with works including paintings, sculptures, quilted items and other crafts. The Quilter’s Café will offer luncheon fare donated by restaurants such as La Madeleine, Rudolpho’s, Dixie Lakewood and Franki’s Lil’ Europe.
Admission to the crafts fair and café, located at Lakewood Elementary, 3000 Hillbrook, is included in the price of the home tour ($6 in advance, $7 at the door). Admission to the craft fair only is $2.
Tickets are available at the school or Minyard’s at Gaston and Abrams. For more information, call 826-9541.
