Collecting Club convention news stories are now being tweeted from the ACC News Service. To ‘follow’ these tweets, go to http://Twitter.com/CollectingClubs

"As a collector, you are subject to the unpredictable life forces of dollars, disputes, divorce and death," says Larry Zale, president, Laurence C. Zale Associates, Inc. "As an independent advisory service for collectors, we make it our business to provide expert, independent advice to collectors when any of these becomes an issue; advice that saves time and anguish, and usually adds value."

Laurence C. Zale Associates is offering any member of ACC clubs an entirely free, no-obligation consultation based on your specific collection and circumstances. The company is an independent visual arts advisory firm based in New York; and, not connected to any auction house, dealer, museum, artist or agency. "Our expert advice and expertise is provided solely to benefit our clients," Zale says.

If you are interested in this opportunity for a consultation regarding your own collection - or in a presentation to your club's convention or meeting - please visit the website: http://collectorsmoment.comor telephone 212.772.2673 or email: lczale@visualartsadvisory.com

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Antique Trader and Shop.Collectors.com (the official online store for Antique Trader) is offering members of the Association of Collecting Clubs and the National Association of Collectors an EXCLUSIVE savings deal. When you visit Shop.Collectors.com on or before March 5 you can Save an Extra 10% and receive Free Shipping to U.S. addresses. These savings are in addition to other discount prices, and are good on books, CDs and downloadable references about a wide variety of collectibles. Just enter Promo Code COLLECTORS during the check out process, and you'll receive your savings. Don't delay, take advantage of this special offer today.

NMXpress, the McCoy pottery lovers' newsletter, sent out their last issue at the close of the year 2009, after 13 years of publication. The popular newsletter, subtitled "For, By, And About McCoy Lovers Everywhere," was written and published by husband-and-wife team Carol Seman and Dan Eggert.

"All good things must come to an end," said Seman, who researched and wrote the articles. Eggert was principally responsible for photography. The couple are retaining the McCoy Lovers website, www.McCoyLovers.com, and plan to use it as a means of keeping in touch with fellow collectors.

The 2010 Trenton Ceramics Symposium organized by the Potteries of Trenton Society and cosponsored by the Trenton Museum Society and the New Jersey State Museum will take place on Saturday, April 17, in the State Museum's auditorium.

This year the theme will be the history of the Hill-Fulper-Stangl pottery that started business in Flemington, New Jersey in the early 1800s and closed in Trenton in the late 1970s. The symposium coincides with an exhibition at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, that opened December 3 and will continue to be on view at the time of the symposium.

"Staying Alive: The Hill-Fulper-Stangl Pottery in a Changing Marketplace" will examine the many chapters of this pottery's fascinating history beginning with its founding by utilitarian stoneware maker Samuel Hill in the early 1800s, moving through the era of exciting forms and glazes related to the Fulper Pottery, and ending with many successful years as Stangl (closed 1978), a dinnerware and artware manufacturer. Scheduled speakers include collectors Peter Meissner (guest curator for the Ellarslie exhibit) and Gordon Gray, Fulper descendent Anne Fulper, and David Rago, art auctioneer and Antiques Roadshow expert appraiser.

For additional information and a registration form visit: http://www.potteriesofTrentonSociety.org/events/stangl.html

The Ellarslie Mansion exhibit marks the first true in-depth examination of the works of the Stangl and Fulper potteries. Many rare and unique pieces, displayed in an informative and chronological format, will be on view for the first time. Visit http://www.ellarslie.org/exhibits/stanglfulper.htm

Swarovski will hold its first 2010 Designer Signing tour starting on March 4. Designers Elisabeth Adamer and Dominic Schopf will be touring the U.S. to meet with Swarovski customers and sign their creations. Elisabeth is the designer of the 2010 Swarovski Crystal Society Annual Edition - the Tiger - and two companion pieces, Tiger Cub Sitting and Tiger Cub Standing. The main piece celebrates the Chinese zodiac Year of the Tiger and is the final piece of the Endangered Wildlife Trilogy. For more information visit the website: http://www.swarovski.com

For collecting clubs which have changed officers at the beginning of the year, or made other changes, make sure to check your information in the ACC Club Directory for possible need for updating. Go to: http://CollectingClubs.com

The ACC Club Directory currently features over 6,000 collecting groups - one of the best ways to promote your club and recruit membership.