Trash to Treasures Antiques & Boutique is a must see of eclectic items in Broad Ripple. Co-owners Virginia Lucas & Deborah Kelly are sisters who combine their expertise of antiques in their shop at 6201 North College Avenue. They are both originally from Indianapolis. Kelly, who specializes in vintage and replica purses and jewelry, is a former stockbroker who joined Lucas in the antiques business in mid-2007. She painted the walls and placed antiques throughout the shop, which is believed to be a former physician's office and residence.

Lucas described her entry into the antiques business. "I started in 1963 while working at American Fletcher National Bank (AFNB) in Broad Ripple and going to college at night. The bank had a two story house for sale. I purchased items belonging to an artist who lived there. The whole house was full of art and antiques. It was located on the east side, near 10th and Rural Street," she explained. She sold antiques at this location for 32 years until moving to 5501 North Keystone Avenue, where she operated a shop for 13 years.

Regarding their relocation to Broad Ripple in November, Lucas said, "We thought it was time to move from where we were on Keystone Avenue. A friend of ours, who is a commercial realtor, purchased this place and we became his tenant", she said.

"We have things that grab the buyers' attention. [Deborah and I] have different tastes in antiques and our customers seem to like it that way," Lucas said. "Antiques, decorators' items, carved ivory, an athletic club table, paintings, pedestals, mirrors, new and antique jewelry, replica purses and items for every room in the house," she added. "An antique should be 100 years old, but we have become lax in this country because we are new compared to other countries who have ancient items," she noted. Pedal cars from the 1900s to 1920s are items she enjoys collecting. Lucas mentioned that antiques have a tendency to go along with the market. Right now, it is a little slow.

Lucas evaluates estate liquidations (not including paintings or oriental rugs) mainly in Central Indiana, but would consider other areas of the state. She also appraises items for insurance and relocation purposes. Their shop can purchase either individual or estate items. She lectures on antiques to groups and at the University of Indianapolis in addition to conducting appraisal clinics at the Indianapolis Marion County Public library.

Ashley Kelly, her niece, and Sara Reissner will host their own art show in the shop during the evening of April 23rd, 2008. They are both seniors at Carmel High School and are planning careers in art. Ashley was recently accepted at John Herron Art School and Sara was accepted at the Chicago Art Institute.

Lucas sat on the board of the International Society for Appraisers (ISA) for 18 years and also wrote a column for them during that time. According to their website, www.isa-appraisers.org, they are a not-for-profit that serves the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Formerly headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, ISA is now based in Renton, Washington.

Three separate and distinct floors of items await customers at Trash to Treasures.

A Victorian oak curio from the 1850s-1870s period, two wingback fireside chairs and a chaise lounge chair with Victorian feet are on the shop's main floor. A walnut table from the Indianapolis Athletic Club has possibilities as a banquet table or as a sofa table in a living room. A tilt top table with a pie crust border in walnut finish from the early 1900s could make a great accent item. A Bavarian fruit plate with white roses, a German fruit plate and Coronet plate are also available for sale.

Newer items, like sassy wine purses from Picnic Gifts, containing a cork screw for wine divas, make an ideal gift for oenophiles. An object initially resembling a bowling ball turns out to be a cover for a decanter and shot glass set.

A display case in the shop features bracelets, necklaces and purses. There are also sunglasses inspired by designers such as Dolce & Gabbana Chanel. An early 1900s National Cash Register can be seen behind the shop's counter near some ivory picture frames. The cash register, however, it is not for sale, but the ivory picture frames are.

Individual mementos on the shop's main level include an autographed baseball from former Oakland Athletics pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter and James Whitcomb Riley's Book An Old Sweetheart of Mine. An oak spinning wheel and yarn spinner can also be found here.

A childhood picture of actress Shirley Temple with her parents can be found in the store's upper level along with wood & metal wall sconces and an artist's palette.

A variety of chairs, 1960s formal dresses, mirrors, Persian rugs, three pottery covered jars, a wrought iron gate and Victorian walnut wall clock await customers in the shop's lower level.

Trash to Treasures is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inquiries can be answered at 253-2235. They accept debit cards, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Their website will be available soon, but these vintage items should be seen in person to be truly appreciated and purchased in the heart of Broad Ripple Village.