Here are a few photos from the Buyers Market in Philadelphia, February 16-18, 2013. There was good merchandising going on, with many of the exhibitors showing their work in a manner so the buyer could imagine how it would look in their gallery or gift store.
Starting with some of my favorites:
1. A large corner booth painted to garner attention and to showcase brightly-colored glass
2. Such a clean and simple booth which really showed off the mosaic work.
3. I liked the way this potter showed a large variety of work and used the vertical space so well.
4. These jewelers were using many recycled elements and their booth was very cool, suited their work well and quite a contrast to the very slick booths that many jewelers had.
5. Clearly a pro in the business, many price points, groupings of objects and the lighting drew you in.
6. I like how this monochromatic booth really showcases the work.
7. This is an example of high contrast to showcase the work.
8. Lots of small pieces, but a great way to display and light to draw those wholesale buyers in closer.
9. This was a small booth, perhaps 6 x 10, yet each piece was distinct and well lit making you want to come closer.
10. A view down one of the center aisles.
11. Frequent visitors to AFI will recognize this work.
And a few booths that need some work (to my eye). Any suggestions for these exhibitors?
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14. ???
People you need to meet:
15. Jeweler Jennifer Merchant
16. Glassblower Andrew Madvin
17. Potters Justin & Melanie McKenney
18. Jeweler Susan Crow
19. Potter Laurie Eskenazi
20. Beaded jeweler Kathy King
21. Buyers Richard and Joanna Rothbard from the American Craftsman Galleries in NYC.
Learn more about the show and watch a video: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/what-i-did-on-my-winter-vacation
