Fair Aims

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE END of summer and the start of the holidays, New Englanders find time to go antiquing. In addition to the little shops tucked along the roads that wind through leaf-peeping territory are the shows that shrewd antiquers look forward to each fall. The grande dame is the annual Ellis Antiques Show. "It would probably be considered the longest-running fine-antiques show in Boston," says this year's chairwoman, Cecily Colburn. Since it was first staged in 1960, The Ellis, as it is known, has evolved into a major charity fund-raiser, and its gala evening events are staples in the city's social scene. The show and related events raise money for Boston Health Care for the Homeless at Massachusetts General Hospital and for Ellis Memorial, a social-service agency that provides care for families, the disabled, and the elderly in the South End.

This year, The Ellis will be held November 3 through 6 at The Castle at Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers. Among the 37 dealers will be specialists in Oriental rugs, Victorian jewelry, Chinese porcelain, fine English and French furniture, folk art, and China-trade maritime paintings.

"We run the gamut of interests," Colburn says. While many pieces cost tens of thousands of dollars, there are other less- expensive items. Prints for framing, for example, can be priced around $25. Even if you're not going to buy, Colburn adds, "it is fun to go and look. It's like a museum, only there's more variety."

In its 10th year, the Greater Boston Antiques Festival, November 19 and 20 in Wilmington, is billed the largest antiques show in the area, with 160 dealers from 11 states.

Show manager Marvin Getman says prices range from less than $50 up to $10,000. "We have a variety of smalls," he says, "like antique sewing notions and doorknobs. And one gentleman comes with Russian religious icons that run $7,000 or more." There will be Chinese and Japanese antiques, fine and folk art, antique quilts and rugs, sterling silver, estate jewelry, and European ceramics.

Beyond Boston, the Eastern States Antiques and Collectibles Show and Sale, October 29 and 30 at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, is in its 24th year. The annual show features about 185 dealers of china, furniture, kitchenware, dolls, country items, jewelry, and more.

"Our requirement is `Nothing new, and no repros,' " says Martin Fasack, one of the owners of The Maven Co., which runs a number of shows around New England. "This is a well-established, moderate show," which means you may find an affordable treasure or two.

Fall events for arts, crafts, and other items:

DORCHESTER OPEN STUDIOS

October 22 and 23, noon to 5 p.m.; four Dorchester locations: 11 Pearl Street studios, Baker Loft at 1231 Dorchester Avenue, 11 Humphreys Street studios, and First Parish Church at 10 Parish Street; free admission, 617-436-2661, www.dorchesteropenstudios.org.

* About 40 artists and artisans will be at First Parish Church, and 30 more will participate at the other locations. Maps and programs will be available at all sites.

EASTERN STATES ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW

October 29 and 30, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The Young Building, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield. Admission $8, children under 12 free; 914-248-4646, www.mavencompany.com.

ELLIS ANTIQUES SHOW

November 3 through 6, Thursday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; The Castle at The Park Plaza, 158 Columbus Avenue, Boston. Admission $15; Gala Benefit Preview, November 2, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $250; Young Collectors Night, November 3, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., $100; Alexa Hampton Lecture, November 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ritz Carlton, 15 Arlington Street, $80; 617-248-8571, www.ellisantiques.com.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

November 4 through 6, Friday noon to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; World Trade Center, 164 Northern Avenue, Boston. Admission $10, seniors $8, children under 14 free; 617-385-5000, www.christmascraftfestival.com.

OLD DEERFIELD CHRISTMAS SAMPLER CRAFT FAIR

November 4 through 6, Friday 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield. Admission $8, children under 12 free; 413-774-7476, www.deerfieldcraft.com.

HYDE PARK OPEN STUDIOS

November 5 and 6, noon to 5 p.m.; 11 locations in Hyde Park, with most studios within walking distance of Cleary Square at Fairmont Avenue and River Street; free admission, 617-364-7300, www.hydeparkopenstudios.org.

* About 75 artists will participate in this third annual event. Information and maps will be available at Cleary Square restaurants and businesses and at 65 Sprague Street and other studio venues.

ALLSTON OPEN STUDIOS

November 12 and 13, noon to 6 p.m.; 20 Rugg Road and 119 Braintree Street, Allston; free admission, 617-254- 3333, www.allstonarts.org.

* More than 35 artists working in a range of media will participate. The show will include several established artists and emerging talent. Children will be able to create murals on paper hanging in hallways. Information and brochures will be available at event sites and area businesses.

FENWAY OPEN STUDIOS

November 19 and 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 30 Ipswich Street, Fenway; free admission, 617- 536-3756, 617-267-8540, www.friendsoffenwaystudios.org.

* Although Fenway Studios has been home to artists for 100 years, only recently have its doors been opened to the public. About 25 artists, many with well-established reputations, will exhibit.

GREATER BOSTON ANTIQUES FESTIVAL

November 19 and 20, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (preview at 9 a.m.), Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Shriner's Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington. Admission $7, preview $15. 781-862-4039, www.neantiqueshows.com.

BRICKBOTTOM OPEN STUDIOS

November 19 and 20, noon to 6 p.m.; Brickbottom Artists Building, 1 Fitchburg Street, Somerville; free admission, 617-776-3410, www.brickbottomartists.com.

* Between 70 and 80 artists will participate in the 18th annual Brickbottom Open Studios. Artwork will include paintings, sculptures, prints, and computer art.

E-mail freelancer Barbara Claire Kasselmann at Bkasselm@cs.com.