The Marcy Carsey Collection of American furniture and folk art, one of the most notable collections of Americana brought to auction in recent memory, will be presented by Lark Mason Associates on the iGavel Auctions website between May 16 and June 6, 2017.  Assembled by Marcy Carsey with the help of her friend and business partner Susan Baerwald, the collection contains works purchased over the past 25 years featuring 19th and early 20th century furniture, weathervanes, trade signs, anniversary tin, quilts, hand-hooked rugs, toys, whimsical pieces and hand-made musical instruments.  The well-known and respected experts and gallerists, opened Just Folk, in 2007 in Los Angeles. Appearing at the top folk art and Americana shows in the United States, they were sought out by collectors and interior decorators for their beautiful presentations, which positioned Americana in the context of art and design. The duo has recently embarked on a new venture, taking their gallery virtual to better share their important inventory with a new generation of collectors. 

Ms. Carsey, one of Hollywood’s most successful television producers who, with her partner Tom Werner, won numerous Emmy Awards for such mega-hits as “That ‘70s Show,” “Roseanne,” “Third Rock from The Sun,” “Grace Under Fire,” and many more, is passionate about her collection and her desire to share her love of Americana with others. "I've always been attracted to things that make me smile," says Carsey.  "It’s important that others get to share the joy that these pieces have given me and my family over the years.”

Lark Mason, whose career spanned twenty-five years at Sotheby’s including a stint as one of their leading generalists, was particularly thrilled with the opportunity to present the Carsey Collection at auction. “Rarely does the public have an opportunity to purchase a professionally curated and assembled selection of works of this quality,” he said. “With their bold splashes of color and distinctive lines, these items can easily be blended with contemporary furnishings.”

One of the major highlights of the collection are 38 remarkable antique carriages and childhood vehicles from the Weinberg Collection. Ranging from nearly unused wheeled carriages to stunning 19th century sleighs, the collection is a snapshot of American childhood from the height of the Gilded Age. Fully documented and cited in numerous reference works, another collection of this quality is unlikely to come to the market.

Additional objects include an important early 19th century Paint Decorated Cupboard, (Est: $40,000-60,000), a 19th century Tall Shaker Red-Painted Chest, (Est: $20,000-30,000), a 19th century Pennsylvania Painted Lift-Top Blanket (Est: $15,000-25,000) and a wide variety of weathervanes, clocks, tables, chairs, and other objects estimated at prices that are accessible to buyers at all price points.

Notes Mason, “With its exceptional range of objects and condition, this collection is a great opportunity for seasoned collectors and decorative arts buyers to purchase significant works of American folk art and furniture.”

Viewing the collection is by appointment in New Braunfels, Texas from May 20th to June 5th with questions directed to: txoffice@larkmasonassociates.com or 212-289-5524.