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Jim Shore Thanksgiving Collectibles
By Larry LeMasters
LeMasters’ Antique News Service
Thousands of Americans collect Jim Shore decorative folk art that originated in Scandinavia),
Thanksgiving figurines since they combine tole painting, and quilting. And along with such
the magic of Jim Shore with traditional friends as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and
Thanksgiving motifs--pumpkins, corn, hay, the entire Peanuts gang, Shore helps bring the
pilgrims, Native Americans, and, let’s not forget, historic Thanksgiving alive in our very modern
turkeys. Many of Shore’s handcrafted figurines are world with heartwarming humor and love. His
already retired, and new interpretations of classic Peanuts figurines proved instant hits with both
Thanksgiving themes are being produced each Thanksgiving collectors and Charlie Brown
year. collectors.
For figurine collectors, Shore’s Thanksgiving line has
Jim Shore is a household always remained close to his
name. Shore grew up heart. Of the line, he once said,
in rural South Carolina. “Fall is a time of celebration…
His artistic family (his of harvest and Halloween and
mother was a sculptor and Thanksgiving for the blessings
painter, his father was a we’ve been given. It’s a
skilled woodworker, and his wonderful time of year that
grandmother a noted quilter) inspires some of my favorite art.”
instilled in young Shore a love for American folk Novice collectors need to become familiar with
art, including the patience and skill needed to bring the Jim Shore markets before truly indulging in
intricate artistic designs to life. a passion to collect his Thanksgiving figurines.
Considering himself “lucky” to attend college, Prices for Shore’s figurines may vary greatly since
Shore studied hard and earned a BA in engineering. Shore has his own website that sells his art. At
Out of college, he took a job using his education, but JimShore.com, a “Thanksgiving Charlie Brown,”
in Dan Fogleberg’s paraphrased words, “Shore tried where Charlie Brown and Snoopy wear pilgrim hats
to be engineer once, but his folk art wouldn’t wait.” while preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,
He soon returned to what he was born to be—a folk complete with an over-browned turkey, costs $60.
artist. On eBay, this same exact figurine is offered for $65.
Like many craft artists, Shore spent years developing and improving And retail stores may offer it for more, or less depending on if they are
his art form, selling his work at fairs and other outlets. He running sales.
finally founded Designs Americana to produce and market They best place to purchase Jim Shore Thanksgiving figurines
his figurines and sculptures. Shore’s works proved is at estate sales where you will find retired pieces for half the
to be so immensely popular that the demands price they are offered on eBay. I’ve even seen
of managing his company grew cumbersome, Jim Shore figurines at garage sales for under
leaving him little time to continue his folk art and $5, which is how Sue and I started our Jim
design work. Then, in 2001, Shore partnered Shore collection.
with Enesco, a well-regarded manufacturer Jim Shore’s unique and distinctive
of decorative collectibles, to create a new folk art style has become a holiday
line of collectible figurines-- Heartwood favorite among American collectors. His
Creek. Almost overnight, Jim Shore Thanksgiving creations remain a worldwide
found fame, including receiving recognition phenomenon that only
and awards from such trade continues to grow as
organizations as ICO HONORS. SHOWN: Top Left- Truly whimsical, this new generations of
Shore quickly gained an unprecedented Heartwood Creek “Totem” combines all collectors fall
name in the giftware industry. His of Thanksgiving’s themes and is still in love with his
affordable at only $90. Center- “We
handcrafted folk art figurines are based Give Thanks” depicts two pilgrims carrying magical figurines.
on American traditions, including love of a Thanksgiving bounty. This figurine
country. And his color palette is diverse, perfectly depicts most American’s idea of
Thanksgiving. It is valued at $75. Right-
including subtle pastels that truly Jim Shore “Harvest Indian” Thanksgiving
make a collector say, “Ah.” Shore has figurine that is valued at $130. Bottom Left-
created folk art forms for all holidays and Retired in 2005, this Jim Shore “Strutting
Proud” figurine is valued at $85-$100.
occasions, but his best selling and Center- Shore 7: No Thanksgiving decor is
most collected figurine themes complete without a horn of plenty. Shore’s
“Horn of Plenty” perfectly captures the
are Christmas and Thanksgiving. collector’s desire to bless her bounty.
Shore’s Thanksgiving figurines This figurine is valued at $75. Right-
are finished in many eye-catching Jim Shore “Peanuts Thanksgiving”
and appealing forms, including collectible, featuring Charlie Brown,
Snoopy and Woodstock. This figurine is
Rosemaling (a traditional form of valued at $60 -$65.
