Wholesale Matters

Museum of Arts & Design opens new building

The former American Craft Museum, renamed the Museum of Arts & Design several years ago, opened the doors to its new building this weekend.

The controversial renovation of 2 Columbus Circle has been met with mixed reviews in the press:

From the Chicago Tribune: "Right along Broadway, this is a second act worth seeing—and worth pondering for the lessons it teaches, both pro and con, about breathing new life into oddball architecture."

From the Washington Post: "A building that was hard to love has been turned into a building that is hard to hate."

From The New York Times: "The disappointments continue inside, where Mr. Cloepfil demonstrates his practical skills, but none of the virtuosity — a feel for materials and structure, for the play of light across surfaces — that can elevate a design from mundane concerns into the lofty realm of art."

Become our fan on Facebook

Are you on Facebook? Have you become a "fan" of the Buyers Market of American Craft?

If not, you're missing out on fascinating daily posts relevant to the show: Will there be a casino attached to the Convention Center? Why did New York Gift change its dates? What is a General Services Contractor anyhow?

Joining our page will also give you access to the artists and retailers who are already our fans...perhaps you'll find a mentor or even a new buyer for your work.

If you aren't already on Facebook, it's easy to sign up. Once you're on, just search for "Buyers Market," and click "Become a fan" once you get to our page.

Deadline TODAY: Vote for your favorite art festival

Each year, AmericanStyle magazine compiles a list of readers' favorite art fairs and festivals in the United States. Cast a vote for your favorite before the midnight deadline today.

My votes would be for:

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
Smithsonian Craft Show

DEADLINE: Saul Bell Design Award

Want to be an award-winning jeweler, AND put $10,000 in your pocket?

The deadline for the 2009 Saul Bell Design Award is September 19. Entries are accepted in a wide range of categories, including Gold/Platinum, Precious Metal Clay, Enamel and more.

Two Buyers Market exhibitors were among the 2008 honorees -- Sowon Joo and Chihiro Makio.

September 11

(U.S. Flag by Sticks)

New Exhibitor Spotlight: Robin Bowman Designs

I'm thrilled to already begin introducing you to some of the new exhibitors who will be joining the Buyers Market of American Craft next February. We'll continue to review applications until the show is full, so if you'd like to be among them, send yours in!

Robin Bowman turns piles of fabric, paint, polymer clay, threads, and sometimes even a grapefruit bag into intricately detailed collages of tropical and sea themes. After creating the basic collage using a variety of applique methods, Bowman embellishes the work with yarns, beads and other items to create a multi-dimensional work of art.

NEWS RELEASE: Applications Being Reviewed for 2009 Buyers Market of American Craft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christine Kloostra
410-889-2933
christinek@rosengrp.com

Applications Now Being Reviewed for 2009 Buyers Market of American Craft

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until show is full

Baltimore, Md. (September 8, 2008) -- Applications are now being reviewed for the 2009 Buyers Market of American Craft. Show dates for 2009 are February 13-16 (Jewelry Preview on February 12) and August 1-3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

The biannual Buyers Market of American Craft is the nation's largest wholesale-only tradeshow of work made by hand in the United States and Canada, featuring more than 1300 artists. Buyers include retail gift shops, museum stores and galleries that sell fine handcrafted jewelry, glass art, furniture, ceramics, art made from recycled goods and more.

Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. To request an application via mail, call 410-889-2933. Applications can also be downloaded from www.americancraft.com and are accepted via www.zapplication.org.

Educational Opportunity - Baltimore/D.C. area

This came through my email today... there will certainly be a sales pitch involved, but probably some useful information as well. Thought some of you in the neighborhood might be interested in attending:

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Adler Display will be holding a free seminar on Tuesday, September 23rd, and you are invited to attend.

"Exhibiting in a Slow Economy" is a 2-hour seminar that will assist anyone responsible for planning events, coordinating trade shows, marketing or designing trade show displays.

When budgets are tight, marketing is often one of the first areas companies scrutinize. And one big line item that is often in question is trade shows. Then begins the debate - to exhibit or not to exhibit? Can we afford to exhibit this year? Can we afford not to?

This seminar will provide you with the right information that will help you make the best possible choices when it comes to exhibiting, including:
> Where and Why to Exhibit
> Exhibiting on a Budget
> Why ROI is More Important than Ever
> Expert Tips on Successful Exhibiting

Although brief (because we know you're busy!), this seminar is packed with helpful information.

If you are in the Baltimore metropolitan region and would like to attend, you can register online at www.adlerdisplay.com/events/exhibiting_in_a_slow_economy , or by calling us directly at 410-281-1200.