Collecting as a hobby was not my intention when I purchased my first miniature chair in 1990.

MAITLAND, Fla. – Approximately 35 original works of art by renowned Impressionist painter William Kirkpatrick (Fla./N.M., 1939-2004), who signed his canvases “William Vincent,” will be exhibited from July 16-Sept. 5 at the Maitland Art Center (MAC).

REDLANDS, Calif. – The Historical Glass Museum has recently accepted a major donation of Mary Gregory glass.

DENVER – Following on the heels of the spectacular January 2010 High Noon Auction of the first installment of the contents of the Roy Rogers Museum, will be the final two sales from these true American heroes and icons:

WINCHESTER, Va. — Operated by the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society, Hollingsworth Mill (which is located next to the Abrahm’s Delight house) will hold a special exhibit, “When This You See, Remember Me: Schoolgirl Samplers of Winchester-Frederick County, Virginia,” through Oct. 31.

DALLAS — The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University is one of hundreds of museums across the country to offer free admission and other benefits May 18 as part of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) celebration of International Museum Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg” will be on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., from July 2 through Jan. 2, 2011. The museum is the only venue for the exhibition.

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. – A veritable snapshot of wildlife roaming the American frontier in the early 1830s, Swiss artist Karl Bodmer’s detailed field studies made while accompanying German naturalist Prince Maximilian zu Wied on an expedition up the Missouri River will be on display in the new exhibition Karl Bodmer’s Western Wildlife

LOS ANGELES – If you think you know dolls, think again! Models came in all different shapes, sizes, compositions and configurations. Metal heads, fur eyebrows, glass eyes, wood, cloth, and even celluloid bodies were all regularly seen among these toys.

WESTON, W.Va. – Form, light and color will rock the gallery at the Museum of American Glass in Weston, W. Va., with one of the largest exhibitions of 101 pieces of Blenko glass. This show, which continues until May 31, 2010, features objects well over three feet tall to some a mere 3 inches tall.