Collector’s Weekend 2020: The 25th Annual
Important Note: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been forced to cancel Collector’s Weekend for 2020 and 2021. Like you, we wish this was not the case but are hopeful these measures will help ensure the Coronavirus is controlled in a quick manner that will minimize the potentially disastrous effects that many individuals, families, and small businesses will encounter.
Collector’s Weekend is an excuse to escape the real world and join like-minded people that share an affinity to Christmas, traditions, and their love of Vaillancourt Chalkware. Since the first Collector’s Weekend in 1996, Collectors—both serious and casual—have made the annual trek to the Vaillancourt Studios in Sutton, MA for a weekend where they can paint their own Chalkware under the guidance of the Vaillancourt Artists, enjoy educational lectures, or just enjoy the weekend in our Gallery where limited edition pieces are introduced with the lowest production number available. Many collectors come simply to attend the Friday reception and Annual Collector’s Weekend Dinner, where they can converse with others passionate about chalkware, Christmas, and traditions. We recommend that you plan on painting on Friday or Sunday, attend the Friday opening, enjoy the free lectures on Saturday, and join us for the Annual Reception & Dinner.
Friday, April 25, 2020
- Painting Workshop 1
9:30am – 4:00pm
Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 am. Workshop includes lunch. - Friday Evening Opening at Vaillancourt’s
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Join us on Friday evening as we kick off the weekend with the release of special products, food, and merriment with fellow collectors. Small plates will be served from 5 – 6 pm with a wine pairing to help choose the 2020 Vaillancourt Christmas Wine.
Saturday, April 26, 2020
- Painting Workshop 2
9:30am – 4:00pm
Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 am. Workshop includes lunch. - Lecture 1: Molly Martin Prop Master, Producer of Film
10:00am – 11:00am - Lecture 2: James O’Leary Senior Art Director – Photography, Kohl’s Marketing
11:00am – 12:00pm - Lecture 3: John Stimpson Writer, Director, Film Maker
1:30pm – 2:30pm - Book Talk with Gary Vaillancourt at 3:00pm
- Annual Reception and Dinner: Nuovo Restaurant Worcester
Reception starts at 6:30, Dinner served at 7:30
What some call the highlight of the weekend, the annual dinner has become a popular event for collectors both serious or casual and long-time or first-time. Dine with those who share a passion for Christmas and Vaillancourt Chalkware and have the opportunity to be chosen to design your own Santa for the following year’s Collector’s Weekend!
Sunday, April 27, 2020
- Collector’s Breakfast Buffet for participants of Painting Workshop
9:00am – 10:00am - Painting Workshop 3
9:30am – 4:00pm
Orientation begins promptly at 9:00 am. Workshop includes lunch.
Where to stay!
Worcester’s Beechwood Hotel, the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in the region, will be offering a discounted group rate for Vaillancourt collectors this weekend. Please contact them directly to book a room at the blocked rate: (800) 344-2589
