Jan 6, 2012

Beckman’s Handcrafted Show set to Open January 21-24 at the Merchandise Mart’s Chicago Market

Over 150 “artrepreneur’s,” the artist/entrepreneur heart of Beckman’s Handcrafted Show will delight specialty retailers when they converge on the 8th floor of one of the world’s largest buildings, The Merchandise Mart in Chicago on Saturday, January 21.

Beckman’s Handcrafted Show showcases the best in original work to discerning specialty retailers looking to differentiate themselves from their competition. Reflecting trends in the industry through the original work of the true artists, Beckman’s is a unique and affordable opportunity for artists to establish their brand, build their business, and grow as both an artist and an “artrepreneur”. Beckman’s encompasses fresh and functional pieces from contemporary apparel and jewelry to classic home accents, all presented with a “meet the artist” focus and feel. A juried selection committee reviews all applications to ensure the final presentation meets the show’s criteria.

“Beckman’s Handcrafted Show Chicago has been an industry must-attend event for the past 15 years,” said Mark Furlet, vice president gift+ home, Chicago Merchandise Mart. “We know that the artisanal details found in the many one-of-a-kind pieces featured at Beckman’s really do stand out in a wholesale business. Offering unique design at a value will help each retailer with their sell-through time and time again.”

SAMPLE EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Andersonville Galleria: Chicago, IL.The Andersonville Galleria Pavilion allows artists to get their feet wet in the wholesale industry, and features four of their premier artists at Beckman’s; Stella Grey Bags, Tracey Capone Photography, Calm Skin Care, Ariyama Studio. Websitewww.andersonvillegalleria.com, Beckman’s Booth #8-8073, 2nd year exhibiting at Beckman’s.

Dan Cuevas: Chicago, IL.Greeting Cards and other novelty items based on the original art work of Chicago based artist, Dan Cuevas. The subject matter of each design is floral, with bright happy colors. Website www.printedcanvas.com Beckman’s Booth #8-6078, returning exhibitor since 2008.

Second Chance Arts & Accessories: Minooka, IL. Home Accessories (tables, coat racks, signage, etc.) made of rehabbed, recycled items. All their work is created by a husband and wife team. This is their first time exhibiting in a wholesale show. Website www.secondchanceart-wholesale.net Beckman’s Booth # 8-7067, first time exhibiting at Beckman’s.

Drawing a Blank Arts, Nashville, TN. Completely unique wall decor, made of smaller wall hanging art that can be shown in a collection or stand alone. Owner/artist Stacey Pierce-Nickle has a series of small paintings as well as photographs from all around the world. Website www.drawablankarts.com Beckman’s Booth #8-7034, first time exhibiting at Beckman’s.

EDITOR’S NOTE: to access the complete list of exhibitors please visit our press room:http://www.shopchicagomarket.com/shopchicagomarket/index.cfm/press/

2012 CALENDAR SCHEDULE

THE CHICAGO WINTER MARKET DAYS AND HOURS
Thursday, January 19 – Friday, January 20
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
Saturday, January 21 – SHOP LATE NIGHT
Showrooms: 9 am – 8 pm | Floors 13, 14
Temporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 6 pm | Floor 8
Sunday, January 22 – Monday, January 23
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
Temporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 6 pm | Floor 8
Tuesday, January 24
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
Temporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 3 pm | Floor 8
Wednesday, January 25
Showrooms: 9 am – 5 pm | Floors 13, 14

THE CHICAGO SPRING MARKET
March 25-27, 2012
Running in conjunction with STYLEMAX and The National Bridal Market Chicago

THE CHICAGO SUMMER MARKET
Showrooms: July 19–25
Temporaries & Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: July 21–24

THE CHICAGO FALL MARKET
September 21-23, 2012
Running in conjunction with The International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market

Note: Dates are subject to change, please check www.shopchicagomarket.com for up to date calendars

The Chicago Market: is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). Beckman’s Handcrafted Show™ is a registered trademark of MMPI. The Chicago Market is a quarterly wholesale tradeshow designed for store owners, retail buyers and designers. The market offers a wide array of quality products ranging from home accents and furniture to handcrafted to collectible items, holiday, baby/children’s product, gourmet and more. The Chicago Merchandise Mart is located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. For more information call 800.677.6278 (MART) or visitwww.shopchicagomarket.com.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year. MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart ; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI), based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.