paul haig

Since childhood, Paul Haig has been active in the arts community. His father served in the military
and moved the family often. As a result, Paul was introduced to many cultures and spent time visiting museums and other arts attractions across the U.S. and around the world. He developed an interest
in gems and jewelry making at the age of eight, which led him to do repairs for local flea markets and antique dealers. Paul's interests were fuled by an intense drive to learn, and at the age of fourteen he received his first business license. He has been buying and restoring art objects ever since.

Over the past 30 years, Paul has traveled the world collecting and exploring. His business evolved into
two main interests, jewelry and Asian art, especially textiles. Paul has always collected with two thoughts in mind. First, that the items he chooses must be items that he would personally own or give as gifts. Second, as one of his early mentors, Karel Weist, stressed, "we don't really own these
ancient and beautiful objects, we are only their care takers. It is our responsibility to ensure that
when they leave our hands they are in as good or better condition as when they came to us."

MARLA SHELTON

Marla Shelton has had a life-long interest in textiles -- encompassing sewing, embroidery, weaving
and other related fiber arts. Her parents introduced her to the world of antiques and antique collecting. She has since combined her love of history with her fondness for textiles.

Marla is currently traveling across the country and working with co-author Paul Haig on the antique
show circuit. When not on the road, she works on the textiles -- repairing, conserving and framing
them for clients. Her work can be found in many private collections, as well as in museums. Marla hopes Threads of Gold will help others better understand these wonderful textiles and to develop a lasting relationshiop with these tactile and often fragile windows into the past.

Both Paul Haig and Marla Shelton are available for lectures. To schedule a lecture or a tour of our gallery, call 248-652-3660. For more on Paul Haig, visit haigsofrochester.com/about_paul.html.