In this exciting episode of House of Folk Art, Matt Ledbetter sits down with auctioneer Ted Muscarelli of the Muscarelli Auction Company and a surprise visit from Matt’s dad, Wade Ledbetter, just as Matt and Ted were about to start recording. Matt and Ted share stories of auctions, collecting, and the joy of the hunt for valuable pieces. From pottery to quilts, walking sticks to baskets, Matt and Ted discuss the artistry behind these objects and the business of selling and collecting them.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - 00:03:00 | The Call That Started It All
The episode begins with Matt sharing the story of how he and Ted Muscarelli first crossed paths. It all started with a surprising phone call from Ted, which led to a conversation about a collection that Matt would eventually help sell at auction. The collection featured iconic pottery from some of the most renowned folk artists. Matt and Ted dive into the excitement of discovering these pieces and talk about the thrill of selling pottery that has the potential to explode in value.
00:03:00 - 00:07:00 | The Auction Life
As the conversation shifts, Matt and Ted delve into the realities of the auction business. With stories of high-value folk art items and the occasional surprise, they discuss the ups and downs of being in the auction world. Wade Ledbetter, Matt’s father, shares his own experiences of being a picker and what it was like to collect and auction off folk art throughout his life. Ted talks about the joy of seeing these valuable objects pass hands, and how crucial it is to maintain relationships with both collectors and sellers to make deals happen smoothly.
00:07:00 - 00:10:00 | Old Folk Art and Its Worth
Matt and Ted share their favorite items from the collection, including quilts, carvings, and baskets. They highlight the fascinating world of "old folk art," how objects from the past can still hold great value today, and how to identify truly special pieces. Ted reflects on the importance of being a knowledgeable collector and the difference between ordinary items and extraordinary finds. Matt offers a look at a collection of baskets that ended up selling for far more than anyone expected.
00:10:00 - 00:14:00 | The Power of Collecting
The conversation moves to the idea of collecting for the love of the objects versus for profit. Matt and Ted talk about how the hunt for folk art isn’t always about making money but about preserving the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece. They touch on the experience of finding an object with rich history and the emotional connection to owning something that speaks to a time and place.
00:14:00 - 00:18:00 | The Moment of Discovery
Matt shares a funny story about a time he found a piece of pottery that had been tossed out and abandoned in the woods, only to later realize it was an Edgefield piece worth thousands. Ted adds to the tale with his own experiences of finding forgotten gems and how these moments of discovery can change the course of a collector’s journey. The idea that folk art is ever-evolving and can show up in unexpected places is a theme they both agree on.
00:18:00 - 00:23:00 | The Basket Tree Story
Ted shares a memorable moment from a local auction where he picked up a unique basket tree, which quickly became a valuable item. The conversation turns to the joy of finding the perfect items at auction and how the value of these pieces can fluctuate dramatically, depending on who’s bidding and what collectors are looking for. The excitement of watching an item fetch a higher price than expected is a recurring theme in their conversation.
00:23:00 - 00:30:00 | Teaching the Next Generation of Pickers
As a parent, Matt reflects on the responsibility of teaching his kids the art of picking. He talks about how his children have learned the value of folk art and auctions, and how they’ve even made money selling items they picked. Ted shares his own experiences with his children, teaching them the business and offering them opportunities to explore the world of folk art collecting from a young age. The conversation shifts to the generational knowledge that is passed down through families involved in this business.
00:30:00 - 00:35:00 | Wrapping Up the Day
Matt and Ted reflect on the day spent packing up the collection, sharing what it was like to see the items go to auction and how bittersweet it can be to part with valuable pieces. They also talk about the importance of knowing when it’s time to let go of a collection, but how the thrill of the hunt will never leave them. Ted concludes with the story of a pottery jug and the emotional connection that makes folk art so unique.
00:35:00 - End | Looking Forward to the Future of Folk Art
As the episode wraps up, Matt and Ted look ahead to the future of folk art collecting and auctions. Matt reflects on the importance of continuing to promote and preserve the stories behind folk art. Ted talks about his plans for future auctions and how the industry continues to evolve. Both agree that the hunt for folk art is far from over, and there are still plenty of treasures waiting to be found.
This episode is a captivating conversation about the thrill of the auction, the art of picking, and the deep connections that collectors have with folk art. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this engaging discussion about the world of folk art.
