Jan 13, 2009

7 W New York® Hosts “Ceramica Magnifica!”

NY, NY – “Ceramica Magnifica! Celebration of a Heritage,” highlights the importance and diversity of Italian ceramic design in an exhibition of sculptures and decorative objects coming to 7 W, New York’s largest marketplace for tabletop, gift and home decor. After an extremely successful launch at the Westchester Italian Cultural Center (WICC) in October as part of the regional All Fired Up initiative, the exhibit will travel to the Big Apple and open on January 25th, just in time for the New York Gift & Home Textiles Market Week. Featuring the works of acclaimed international architects, artists and designers, including: Krizia, Adam Tihany, Ottavio Missoni, Giuliana de Camerino, Massimo Vignelli, Alessandro Mendini, Federica Marangoni, James Wines, Matteo Thun, David Palterer, Alison Sky, Ultraviolet, Michele DeLucchi, Denis Santachiara, Andrea Branzi and Paola Navone (to name a few) the display is sure to pique the interest and curiosity of event attendees and attract new visitors to the busy market building in the coming months.

Curated by renowned Italian artist, Federica Marangoni and Evelyn Rossetti, executive director of WICC, the exhibit has its roots in the medieval Italian city of Este, a region known for its leadership in art and craftsmanship. In 2001, Marangoni worked with the local Town Hall Council to organize a Contemporary Ceramic Triennale, with the aim of renewing the city’s ancient tradition of artistic ceramics. Held in 2001, 2004 and 2007, the Triennale showcased the work of international architects, designers, artists and fashion designers. To inspire the talented youth, the Triennale established a competition for schools of art, craft and design and displayed the winning works.

For this exhibit, Rossetti and Marangoni pulled the best of the best from the past nine years. The result is an extraordinary mix of 49 pieces that truly pay homage to Este’s artistic tradition. These range from the ironic and whimsical to the innovative and ethereal. The exhibition also pulls together the Triennale’s 15 award-winning student projects. Ceramic artist, Antonio Cornacchione, curated this portion of the display.

According to Marangoni, “We were so pleased to find another home for our fabulous exhibit. It is just so special that we wanted the largest audience possible to view the works and understand the nature of ceramic art and production in Italy. The 7 W New York Building, located in the heart of Manhattan across from the Empire State Building, is a perfect partner. They share our love of ceramics and commitment to showing the finest work of designers and artists to a wide audience.”

Chris Collins, 7 W vice president and general manager at 7 W, shares Maragoni’s enthusiasm, “At 7 W we have an impressive line-up of Italian-made ceramics, textiles, gifts and home accessories on display year-round in our permanent showrooms. My team and I visited the exhibition in Westchester and were struck by the design and craftsmanship on display. We felt this artistic exhibition would be a popular attraction here at 7 W and are honored to be their host.”

“Ceramica Magnifica” will remain on view at 7 W through the Spring Tabletop Market, which will take place from April 21-24, 2009. The building is finalizing its spring line-up of art shows, which are held on the 11th floor Market Suites, and plans to make this exhibition open to the public for select periods during the art show circuit. Visit 7wnewyork.com as dates and times will be announced in the coming months.

7 W NEW YORK™ is a wholesale mart building, catering to the buyers of Home Décor, Table Top, Giftware, Textiles and Decorative Accessories. Its daily hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours during special market weeks. 7 W New York is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).

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 and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; 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 and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

VORNADO REALTY TRUST, owners of 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.

THE WESTCHESTER ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER (WICC) – where Italy Comes Alive for Everyone! ™ – preserves, presents and promotes all facets of Italian culture. Since opening in 2007, the WICC has developed a rich program and activity schedule with public programs for the Westchester and tri-state community to enjoy including: Italian language instruction for toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults; Italian culinary classes, workshops, and demonstrations for all age groups featuring famous and up-and –coming chefs from Italy as well as the US; Italian wine tastings, demonstrations, and workshops; film and lecture series, special events featuring Italian opera, contemporary music, and film previews and exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics, artifacts, and photography. The Westchester Italian Cultural Center is a non-profit organization, sustained by public support, donations and memberships. For more information, call 914-771-8700, or email info@wiccny.org or programs@wiccny.org.