By KATE SNYDER

Community Arts Center 

Jerry Sampson will be the featured speaker at Lunch with the Arts at the Community Arts Center on March 21. The title of his presentation is “The Changing Antique Market: What you can and can’t do about it.” 

Sampson has long been recognized in Central Kentucky as an expert on antiques. He is an Accredited Senior Appraiser in the American Society of Appraisers, a distinction he has held since 2009. 

For the past 24 years, he has owned and operated J. Sampson Antiques, Books and Appraisals, located on Harrodsburg’s historic Main Street.

Sampson describes himself as a dedicated researcher and local historian. He makes frequent appearances on the KET hit show, “Kentucky Collectibles.” His column “Personal Effects” is featured in several newspapers, including The Advocate-Messenger, where it runs regularly in the weekend edition. 

He also hosts a radio program called “Personal Effects, The Antique Show” on WHBN AM 1420 at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. 

Sampson says he has seen almost everything when it comes to items people bring to him for an appraisal. Those have ranged from Civil War surgical kits to shrunken heads. 

Most of the time, when someone brings him something to appraise, the first thing on their mind is to find out what it is worth. Next is what are they going to do with it, based on its value.

Sampson is quick to point out there is a market for antiques, just as there is a market for stocks and bonds or any other commodity. Values can and will rise and fall, based on a variety of factors, not the least of which is supply and demand.

One of his goals is to educate those who seek out his advice, not to judge their possession simply on its current market value, but rather to appreciate its intrinsic value in terms of both tangible and intangible factors. He does this by first explaining how the antiques market works. Then, he focuses on other aspects that affect its intrinsic value, such as history and family connections.

Sampson has one piece of advice for those interested in antiques: For anyone who has an antique or collectible and truly wants to preserve its value, do not alter or repair anything until it can be checked out by a reputable appraiser.

To find out more about Sampson, visit his Facebook Page (Jerry L Sampson). 

IF YOU GO

Lunch with the Arts, featuring Jerry Sampson with “The Changing Antique Market” will be noon-1 p.m. March 21 at the Community Arts Center. Cost is $5 at the door. This will be a speaking engagement only; Sampson will not be able to do any on-site appraisals of items. 

SO YOU KNOW

On April 25, Lunch with the Arts will feature local filmmaker and Pioneer Playhouse Artistic Director Robby Henson. He will discuss the inspirational performance and writing program, Voices Inside, centered at Northpoint Training Facility in Burgin. Henson will also show portions of his recent documentary, “I Come From,” inspired by the program. 

CAC is looking for sponsors for LWTA; anyone interested in finding our more may contact Niki Kinkade at director@communityartscenter.net.

ON EXHIBIT

The 2018 Student Showcase features artwork by more than 300 students from the region, including Centre College and Kentucky School for the Deaf students. The exhibit is up regular business hours through March 27. 

COMING UP

• Starry Night Studios – The Red Umbrella, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, $28; Blue Dog, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, $28

• Night at the Museum, Friday-Saturday, for 2nd-6th grades, $40

• Painting 101 for Adults, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 20-April 17, $70 

• Ceramic Fairy Houses, 4-5:30 p.m. Mondays, March 26-April 9, $35

Art Adventures, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, March 20-April 17, for ages 3-5, $40 

• Kids Visual Arts, 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays, March 21-April 18, K-3rd grade, $40

For more information or to register, visit communityartcenter.net.