By Kelsey Conner

It’s hard to believe the 28th Annual Nashville Antiques and Garden Show is already a month behind us, and we still can’t get it out of our mind, from the tulips, azaleas and hydrangeas that tempted with thoughts of warmer weather to the artists throughout the gallery that sparked our imaginations. Here are some of our favorite moments from the iconic show that benefited both Cheekwood Estate and Gardens and The Economic Club of Nashville.

The Preview Party. The opening gala was hosted by architect Gil Schafer. Delicious craft cocktails were paired with a see-and-be-seen atmosphere while collectors, dealers and artists mingled. Clint Smith, Editor in Chief for Veranda, signed copies of their newest collection: “Veranda Inspired by Color.” The more formal setting of the gala relaxed on Friday night for the bourbon party, when attendees traded their heels for cowboy boots and sipped on the region’s beverage of choice.

The Grand Staircase. When the show opened on Friday, a double staircase greeted visitors with water tumbling down each step, pooling near tulips that hearkened of spring. The piece was designed as a collaboration between Cheekwood and Florida’s Tres Fromme. The archway below the stair was inspired by Cheekwood’s architecture, framing the entrance to the booth of Nashville resident and artist Ed Nash, whose abstract expressionism captivated both longtime friends and new fans.

The Keynote Speaker. Earl Charles Spencer owns and maintains Althorp, the home where the Spencer family has resided for more than 500 years. Those who were lucky enough to hear him speak learned about the work he has done to restore the family estate, as well as curate their centuries-old, world famous art and antique collection. He discussed the special difficulties of not only tending to a priceless collection, but having thousands of visitors there to view his personal home that is also the final resting place of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Nashville Artist Collective. A branch of the Charleston Artist Collective, NAC displayed works from artists located across the southeast, including Trevor Mikula, Susie Elder and Ann Balzac Keane. Attendees had the opportunity to even snap a selfie with Charleston’s Molly B. Right’s larger than life portrait of Dolly Parton, made entirely of vintage bottle caps.

Trace Mayer’s Museum Bees collection. The Kentucky artist crafted his honeycomb cutouts ornaments of various sizes out of antique frames and bourbon barrels, often with gilded bees or horses displayed in the middle. In true Bluegrass State fashion, the pieces are not labeled with the year of creation. Instead, they feature the name of the current Kentucky Derby Winner.

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