Jun 8, 2012

Artisanal Producers From 18 Countries Confirm Participation in Artisan Resource Launch During Summer NYIGF

To date, 62 companies representing 18 countries have confirmed their participation in Artisan Resource ™, a new tradeshow directed to U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers, which debuts this summer during the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®). Artisanal craft producers and production resources from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines and South Africa will be among nations showcased at the first semi-annual edition, August 19-21, at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92.

“Artisan Resource provides these overseas artisan enterprises with a valuable production-sourcing venue in the U.S. and offers attendees an unparalleled one-stop sourcing access to quality handcrafts from across Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “This new event – directed to volume import buyers – is a perfect complement to NYIGF’s Handmade® Global Design offerings.”

The debut of Artisan Resource will feature significant representation from the Caribbean, Central and South America, including: Artisan Business Network, Haiti (crafts from paper-mâché, found objects, natural materials, and ceramics); Artesanias Chilenas, Chile (jewelry in horse hair and metals); Asoc. Gutemalteca de Exportadores, Guatemala (textiles, kitchen accessories, toys, Christmas products and jewelry); American Chamber of Commerce of Peru, Peru (high quality handmade products); Belart and ProPueblo, Colombia and Ecuador (crafts from sustainable materials, including tagua, agave, horn, bone, silk, gold, and silver); Caribbean Craft, Haiti (recycled paper mache and steel sculptures made from used drums, soapstone sculptures, sisal/vine baskets ); Ecuador Trade Office, Ecuador (high quality handmade products); Haiti Projects, Haiti (embroidered linen and cotton clothing and accessories); La Casa Cotzal S.A., Guatemala (textiles, wood, ceramics and metal f urnishings, folk art, and home accessories); Sapia, Colombia (sustainable products using natural plant material); and Talentos, Bolivia (alpaca fiber handcrafts).

Africa, Asia and the Middle East also will be well-represented at the launch, with confirmed exhibitors including: Afrikiko, Kenya (handcrafted soapstone products); CARANA Corporation – Artisans of Morocco, Morocco (home décor, jewelry, clothing and accessories); Eco Tasar Silk P Ltd., India (hand-loomed silk scarves); Federation Sahalandy, Madagascar (silk and cotton home textiles and accessories); Get Paper Industry, Nepal (paper stationery, books and accessories); Greenarte – Artesanato Sustentável de Moçambique, Mozambique (modern and distinctly Mozambican designs); Noah’s Ark, India (recycled forged iron handicrafts); Source, South Africa (high quality handmade products); Friends of Tilonia, Inc., India and Mexico (wild silk textiles, black pottery home décor and accessories, natural fiber textiles, and handblown glass); UMEED, India (wool and thread crochet products); and Zardozi Markets for Afghan Artisans, Afghanistan and Pakistan (embroidered gifts, accessories, home furnishing and clothing).

Beyond exhibits, Artisan Resource will offer a comprehensive series of seminars for exhibitors and attendees. Attendee programming includes a daily “Importing 101” seminar, addressing importing basics, FOB pricing, customs, warehousing and distribution. This free session will be presented at Pier 92, at 9:00AM, on August 19, 20 and 21. Exhibitor sessions will help to orient overseas artisans to U.S. business practices, as well as gift and home industry trends. An opening night reception is planned on the exhibit floor at Pier 92 for all market-goers, on Sunday, August 19, from 5:00PM-6:00PM. Information and registration is available online at http://www.nyigf.com/TheShow/NYIGFDivisions/ARSeminarsEvents.aspx.

Artisan Resource is managed by GLM and organized with the assistance of ByHand Consulting. For exhibitor information, contact Allison Rober, sales manager, at GLM, 914-421-3212, or email arober@glmshows.com. Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW (7469), or (212) 204-1060. Additional information and registration is available online at http://gw.vtrenz.net/?TPUWQIS1RG:FX9RMKWRU7=ssID:928087194,email:tls1@optonline.net.