May 1, 2008

NYIGF Handmade Showcases Authentic Craft at Summer 2008

White Plains, NY – A new designation identifying “designer-maker” exhibitors will be introduced this summer in Handmade at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), providing an opportunity for buyers to easily distinguish individual artisans from production craft. In addition an influx of some 50 new exhibitors will extend the global and American-made resources presented at Handmade.

Handmade runs Saturday, August 16 through Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at New York City ‘s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center , and will present a total of 575 juried participants, offering buyers an unparalleled selection of handcrafted items from 36 American states and 14 countries worldwide. Handmade is the largest craft market presented within a gift and home market.

IDENTIFICATION OF DESIGNER-MAKERS
In an effort to emphasize individual artisanry and distinguish it from production craft, GLM will launch a new identification system to spotlight more than 200 “designer-maker” exhibitors within NYIGF’s Handmade division. Using visual cues, such as badges and booth signs, buyers will be able to locate craftspeople who personally create the products they sell.

“Identifying the designer-maker personalizes the entire buying experience,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director. “Retailers can meet the maker, explore their process and learn the unique stories behind each product, and in turn relay this background to their customers as an effective sales technique.”

Among the exhibitors who will be identified as “designer-maker” are Laurie Lenfestey of bittersweet designs in New Mexico , who creates cards and stationery products from collaged materials; Donna Hiebert, who designs contemporary jewelry for her Nova Scotia-based company Seachange; and Michael Ruh, a glassblower from London.

SIZEABLE ADDITION TO DIVISION
This August, Handmade stands to gain approximately 50 new companies that have been accepted by the jury, out of 120 artisans who applied to participate.

The selection committee considers several criteria before accepting a new exhibitor. When reviewing contemporary craft, the work needs to be unique and original, while traditional and ethnic craft is judged on its level of authenticity. All accepted products need to be appropriate for the Handmade division, and marketable in the framework of the NYIGF.

The jury is comprised of professionals in the craft or design field, including: Carol Ross, GLM; Alden Smith, Aid to Artisans; John Gilvey, Hudson Beach Glass; Michael Michaud, Table Art/Silver Seasons; and Marie DiManno, American Folk Art Museum.

HANDMADE IN THE USA
Meeting the demand for American-made craft, the “Handmade in the USA” showcase area will return to the August market with more than 30 exhibitors. This area allows retailers seeking U.S.-produced merchandise to more easily source American crafts of quality from among the breadth of products available at NYIGF.

GLOBAL RESOURCES
In addition to showcasing craft exhibitors from 36 American states, Handmade provides domestic buyers the opportunity not found at other major trade shows to source superior craft from other countries in a juried forum.

In the summer edition, 14 foreign countries will be represented: Argentina, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“The international market is easier than ever to access, and this includes craft merchandise,” added Belshaw. “Global craft gives retailers more options for new aesthetics ranging from contemporary to indigenous and more traditional designs.”

New exhibitors presenting international lines include HandCrafting Justice (global home décor); Indika gift items from ); and Mercado Global (jewelry created under fair trade practices).

Handmade is located on Level 1 and Level 4 of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center .

For more than 20 years, Handmade has offered buyers an extensive, juried selection of items handcrafted in all media across such categories as tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel.

NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift and home accessory marketplace, with 2,800+ exhibitors featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. NYIGF is held concurrently with EX·TRACTS at the Javits Center and Home Textiles Market Week at NYIGF (at the Javits Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Piers 92 & 94), 230 Fifth Avenue and 7 West 34th Street. Some 40,000 buyers from around the world are expected to attend. Additional information, registration and on-line advance planning tools are available at www.nyigf.com.