Mar 6, 2017

“Four Corners of the World” folk artist showcase announced for March market

Dallas Market Center, in partnership with the International Folk Art Alliance, will premiere the International Folk Art Market “Four Corners of the World” showcase during the combined Apparel & Accessories Market and Total Home & Gift Market, to be held March 22-25, 2017. Twelve artisans will travel from points around the globe to Dallas in order to exhibit their crafts to thousands of retail buyers attending market. The “Four Corners of the World” exhibit, with a fashion accessories focus, will take place on the 13^th floor of the World Trade Center —home to the largest permanent collection of fashion accessories showrooms in the U.S.

The artists are part of the prominent International Folk Art Alliance (IFAA), which hosts the International Folk Art Market|Santa Fe, the largest of its kind in the world, each summer in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Prior to the event in Santa Fe, a collection of artists exhibit at Dallas Market Center’s June Total Home & Gift Market, showcasing a range of gift, home décor, jewelry, and fashion products. IFAA’s goal is to foster economic and cultural sustainability for folk artists worldwide and to create intercultural opportunities that unite the peoples of the world. The wholesale connections made in Dallas provide year-round income for the artists, creating a lasting economic impact on their communities.

“We are proud to expand our partnership with Dallas Market Center to help connect its loyal buyers with world-class artisans from around the world,” said Jeff Snell, CEO of the International Folk Art Alliance. “Extending the reach of artisans means increasing the impact in their communities, and offers retailers beautiful one of a kind products — a win-win opportunity at the core of a new wave of consumerism.”

The artisans exhibiting in March will arrive from Colombia, Ghana, India, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Niger, Peru, and Uzbekistan. With years of dedication to their craft, passed down for generations, these artisans will share their products and their stories. Some of the extraordinary items the artists will exhibit include jewelry of gold, silver, glass, and ebony as well as needlepoint bags, woven bracelets, felt and silk fashion accessories, and block print fabric scarves.

“Building upon our highly successful June folk art event, we are thrilled to offer a new opportunity for the artists and our loyal retailers,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Buyers are clamoring for unique and stylish products with a story so we are pleased to collaborate with the International Folk Art Alliance to offer affordable cultural treasures.”

In association with the exhibit, a “Four Corners of the World” cocktail party will be held on Wednesday, March 22 at 4:30 p.m. on the World Trade Center’s 13^th floor atrium.