The Show of Hands and One of A Kind art shows are being hosted this weekend in Chicago, and I could not be more excited. Show of Hands boasts the work of 80+ Chicagoland designers, while the One of A Kind show features 300+ artists from around the country. Both shows offer a mix of Home décor, beauty products, artwork, jewelry and clothing. The shows give independent designers the opportunity to showcase their creations in an elevated setting (this is definitely not your grandmother’s craft fair in the church basement) and both draw huge crowds.
I love attending these shows and others (Renegade Craft Fair is another great venue, and they host fairs all over the country and throughout the year, schedule: here ) for many reasons. For starters, these shows are filled with major “good vibes.” Seriously, when you find yourself in a room full of people doing what they love and they are making a living off of it, the positive energy they throw off is contagious. I have the utmost level of respect for artists who have chosen to eschew the secure corporate job in order to pursue what they truly love. I am always happy to show support to them so that they can continue to live out their dreams, and all the while basking in their good energy haha.
The second reason I love these shows is because you can find really cool stuff (stuff – my favorite scientific term). Maybe it’s my inner cavewoman coming out, but there is something so fun about finding new interesting items that no one else has, I would have made an excellent gatherer. Some of my favorite pieces in my home were discovered at art fairs and will never be available for purchase from a catalogue. Tell me something is one of a kind and the sale is made, no need to say anything further. I also think it is so cool when you find an item you love and you get to meet the actual person who made it. I am not one who relishes in small talk, but I have had some of the best and enlightening conversations, even if they were brief, with artisans talking about their creations. Once again, you pick up some very contagious positive energy when you talk to someone who lights up when discussing his or her work. Hopefully you can take that energy and turn it into something productive in your own life. Which will then hopefully inspire others… you see where this is going right?
So, if you are looking for something different to do this weekend, see if there is a local art/design fair in your area, and you just might stumble upon some interesting finds and inspiration.
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