New dates set for Fine Furnishings shows

The juried Fine Furnishing shows have proven to be a viable sales outlet for furniture builders at three locations: Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Providence, R.I. But returning and prospective exhibitors should be aware of several date and venue changes for the 2012 season.

The fourth annual Baltimore show is moving to an exhibit building May 4-6 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Md. The show was formerly held in April at the Baltimore Convention Center.

“This new venue will give exhibitors and attendees easy access on and off the highway to the ground-floor building, free parking, plenty of food and lodging options,” says show manager Karla Little.

The seventh annual Milwaukee show returns Oct. 5-7 to The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, a week later than usual.

The longest-running show, Providence, will celebrate its 17th season Nov. 2-4 at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center in Pawtucket, R.I. The show was formerly held in October at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence.

“I have been looking for a new home for the show for several years and have always loved the Armory building because it has gorgeous architecture and a new owner who has made wonderful improvements,” says Little. “Pawtucket is growing as an arts center and destination for art and craft, so we are excited to be a part of this movement.”

Ed Barkey, a furniture maker in Navarre, Ohio, exhibits at all three shows. “There are a lot of reasons to do Karla’s shows, the main one being Karla. She takes this whole thing very personally, really paying attention to the details for the exhibitors. She makes it easy to do, from finding affordable accommodations, making loading and unloading as easy as possible,” he says.

“There is a real feeling of commaraderie at the shows. I think the move to the new venue at the Baltimore fairgrounds should be great with the other shows going on there. It seems it will be easier for the attendees all the way around, from parking to getting to the show. Attending all of the Fine Furnishings shows is important to me because it gives me an outlet for my work that I can feel confident will attract high-quality clientele. These shows are done so well people come back to see what’s new every year and I don’t think they are disappointed.”

Contact: KL Communications, 80 Main Road, Suite 203, Tiverton, RI 02878. Tel: 401-816-0963. www.finefurnishingsshows.com

This article originally appeared in the March 2012 issue.