Eighteen dealers from across the country will display extensive collections this weekend at the 38th annual Houston Museum Antiques Show and Sale at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

The antiques show opens at 10 a.m. today, offering ceramics, paintings, prints, collectibles and jewelry as well as selected pieces of furniture.

Karen Murphy, show chairwoman, said one-third of the vendors are first-time exhibitors. They are traveling from as far as Texas and Iowa to participate in the Houston's well-known event.

"This year we are pleased to have Tindell's Restoration Studio at the show," said Murphy.

"Tindell's offers the expertise needed to repair cracked, chipped and broken heirlooms. They can restore porcelain, pottery, ceramics, crystal, glass, marble, alabaster, oil paintings, frames, ivory, malachite, jade, silver, bronze and much more."

Murphy said art objects and antiques may suffer damage over time and often require a review for determining the cost of restoration and/or value before and after restoration. Tindell's does these damage assessments as well as insurance claims, restored values and heirloom appraisals.

Chattanoogans have two opportunities to take advantage of Tindell's expertise. Murphy said that from noon to 5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, visitors may bring their art pieces to the show to be evaluated for restoration or to be appraised. There is a $10 charge per piece.

All proceeds from appraisals and ticket sales will help fund the operation of the Houston Museum, which contains a renowned collection of antique glass and ceramics left to the people of Chattanooga by Anna Safley Houston upon her death in 1951.