On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, we were invited to the home of Jim Craig and Randy Johnson for a tour of their painting collection comprising mainly 18^th- and 19^th-century American and European portraits and landscapes. The portraits range from famous actresses to society playboys, famous musicians, and military heroes, as well as characters from Shakespeare and classical antiquity. Jim and Randy's collection of antique furniture provides an ideal setting for the paintings, many of which are in their original gilt frames. Jim's encyclopedic knowledge of American art made him an exceptionally entertaining guide.

This was no ordinary open house as it included an extravagant buffet of refreshments. The eclecticism of the collection makes it a time capsule of colonial and Civil War America. And like the National Gallery in Washington this collection has its Modern wing full of surprises. Not only was the art exceptional, but so was the warm hospitality of the hosts.