State Museum presents Silver in the Garden

Nationally recognized silver expert Dawn Corley will be the featured presenter when the State Museum presents Silver in the Garden next weekend at 301 Gervais St., Columbia.

The two garden-themed events will run 2-4 p.m. June 13-14 and offer a look into the history, design and use of fine silver, porcelain and china, as well as an opportunity for Corley to examine pieces brought in by attendees.

Corley owns and runs Antiques on Main at Historic Karle Place in Lexington and has an expansive private collection that has been showcased in museums and exhibitions across the country.

Known as the “Charleston Silver Lady,” she perfected her expertise on silver in antique and silver shops on King Street. She has become a highly sought-after lecturer and has given presentations and lectures to U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state and dignitaries as well as many corporate and Fortune 500 groups, including the Family Circle Cup, Norfolk Southern and Southern Living.

“We are excited to have Dawn return to the State Museum to present a new silver program,” said State Museum public programs manager Celeste Wszola. “Her presentations are always very popular because guests are able to see unique treasures and pieces while stepping back in time to learn fascinating stories behind the objects and people who once owned them.”

Next weekend’s event will feature five tabletops, including garden and floral-themed pieces, from Corley’s extensive collection of silver, porcelain and china. She will explore the history of these pieces, how they were produced, and how to identify their origins and value.

The program will also feature natural decoration techniques, using flowers and greenery to accent antique pieces.

Guests are invited to bring one piece from their own collections for an informal verbal appraisal by Corley.

Garden party bites, nibbles and sweets and a variety of beverages including a summer bourbon punch will be provided.

Tickets to Silver in the Garden are $40 for the public and $32 for museum members. To purchase, visit scmuseum.org.

Conductors Institute hits Koger Center stage

Aspiring conductors and other music lovers can get a first-hand view of the skills and complexities of effective conducting in Columbia in the coming weeks.

The 30th annual Conductors Institute of South Carolina begins Monday and continues through June 20 at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Green St.

Directed by Donald Portnoy, the annual event brings students to the University of South Carolina from around the U.S. and abroad to receive instruction from eminent conductors and composers with expertise in the commercial, academic and professional worlds of music. The students will have an individual daily podium, conduct an orchestra of professional musicians, and focus on enhancing their conducting skills.

The daily podium sessions will run 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m. each day but Sunday and are open to the public at no charge.