Must run MAY 11

SLUG: PAT GARTHOEFFNER NAMED ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NASHVILLE’S HEART OF COUNTRY ANTIQUES SHOW

By Laura Beach

ST LOUIS, MO. — Richard E. Kramer & Associates has named Pat Garthoeffner associate director of the Heart of Country Antiques Show. The 2008 fair will open Thursday evening, February 14, for three days at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

The Nashville, Tenn., show and its companion, Heart of Country Texas, staged in Grapevine, Texas, in October, have been managed by Susan Kramer Hunkins and her husband since the October 2005 death of Susan’s mother, show founder Libby Kramer. A professional fundraiser, Hunkins is also director of advancement at the Community School, a private elementary school in St Louis.

“The Garthoeffners have been family friends for 30 years. My mother and father had an antiques shop in St Louis and the Garthoeffners started out in Wentzville, Mo. Pat and my mother were close from the beginning,” said Hunkins.

“While my father, Dick Kramer, was always supportive, Heart of Country was very much my mother’s show. We’ve been coasting since we lost her. I recently invited Pat Garthoeffner to take a larger part in directing the show. I trust Pat implicitly and fully support any ideas she may have.”

Garthoeffner and her husband, Rich, are dealers specializing in American folk art and painted furniture. They opened their first shop in St. Louis in 1971. In 1985, they moved to Lancaster County, Penn., establishing Garthoeffner Gallery Antiques in Lititz.

The Garthoeffners have exhibited at Heart of Country since it debuted 26 years ago. The popular market draws buyers and sellers from every region of the nation. The Garthoeffners also exhibit at the American Antiques Show in New York and the Burk and Arion shows in York, Penn.

“Heart of Country is not simply an antiques show, it’s a celebration. It always had good crowds, but it started slipping after Libby died. Management needs someone with a background in antiques. The venue is an important one. Customers are still interested and the antiques business needs the outlet. The show needs jazzing up. I am excited that I’ve had major interest from dealers already,” said Garthoeffner.

Garthoeffner said the February 2008 Heart of Country Antiques Show will be eclectic, featuring about 125 exhibitors.

For further information, www.heartofcountry.com or 800-862-1090.