Cameron and Derrill Crowe are this year’s Antiques at the Gardens honorees.
They Crowes have been members of The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and loyal supporters of the gardens for more than two decades, according to a release from the Friends group.
“The leadership and generosity of supporters like the Crowes allows the gardens to remain a treasured community asset and enables 10,000 area students annually to participate in education programs free of charge,” the statement said.
Cameron is an active volunteer at the gardens and now serves on the Antiques Advisory Committee. Her past involvement includes: The Great Chefs Series, chair of the Sculpture Auction, past chair of Antiques at the Gardens, member of the board of directors and member of the finance committee. While she was on the committee’s research and development team, Cameron was instrumental in bringing the Antiques Show to the gardens. Cameron had been involved with the Antiques Show when it was hosted by the Junior League of Birmingham and was able to help with its transition to the gardens. In 2006, Antiques at The Gardens’ first year, it became the Friends’ largest fundraiser.
Cameron was a member of the inaugural antiques committee and today her daughter Cameron Estes is chair of the Antiques at The Gardens’ Junior Guild. The junior guild was established several years ago to encourage the next generation to participate. Junior guild members volunteer throughout the show and host a special event of their own.
“It has been fun to work on the show with my daughter and niece, who is also involved. Sharing the weekend events with family and friends is a treat,” Cameron said.
Cameron’s insights have helped keep Antiques at the Gardens relevant during a changing economy and interests.
“It is really funny how history repeats itself and the show I chaired in 2007 is not unlike much of the 2018 show! Many of the same conversations are still relevant,” she said.
Cameron believes that what has changed is that Birmingham has become a resource for current design talent.
“We have incredible architects, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, landscape designers, curators, floral artists and designers, antique and specialty shops with experts all over the Birmingham area,” she said.
Proceeds from the show will support the Friends’ educational programs and garden enhancements.
Antiques at the Garden will be Oct. 5-7.
–Blake Ells
