Freeman’s to sponsor annual exhibition of exceptional artisan furniture and furnishings
The annual Philadelphia Furniture Show returns to the 23rd Street Armory this spring with an array of artisans, enhanced programming and a Friday night Preview Party. The Furniture Show will be open Saturday, April 1st and Sunday, April 2nd, with the Preview Party on March 31st from 6 to 9pm.
The longest running exhibition of its kind in the US, the Philadelphia Furniture Show will exhibit the work of 50 exceptional woodworkers, weavers, potters, photographers and others, including the following:
David Lee Moneypenny of East Hampton, Connecticut. In his “Crashed Furniture” series, Moneypenny turns salvaged and repurposed automobile parts and reclaimed wood into stunning functional sculptures. He says, “I take a piece of crumpled metal and sculpt it with soft varnished wood. The parts are both out of context and in context” with each other.
Jeffrey Oh of Jeffrey Oh Woodworking in Washington DC left a career in graphic design and illustration to create tables, cabinets, desks and chairs that are “handsome, useful products out of one of nature’s friendliest and most satisfying materials: wood.”
Rachel David of Red Metal studio in New Orleans is a blacksmith and artist who uses traditional metal-working techniques to produce elegant furniture and sculpture. She says, “When you heat the iron it’s incredibly plastic. You can get so much deformation and so many options to achieve different shapes.”
Jon Billing of Big Sand Woodworking in Brooklyn began as a luthier (guitar builder) and transferred these principles to his Asia-inspired credenzas, coffee tables, and Shoji screens: “like a quality guitar, furniture should be made so that it is not only beautiful but will also last for generations of use.”
A complete list of participants is available at www.philadelphiafurnitureshow.
“Today’s artisans and makers are creating tomorrow’s heirlooms,” said Stefa Normantas, managing partner of Green Tree Events, owner of the Philadelphia Furniture Show. “This prestigious show features the best American, hand-made furniture and furnishings that Philadelphia has ever seen.”
The Philadelphia Furniture Show is expected to draw 2,500 visitors to the Armory over the three days. Guests attending the Preview Party on the evening of Friday, March 31st will have the first opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from exhibitors.
This year the Show Sponsor is Freeman’s Auction House, the Media partner is Incollect, an online resource for design enthusiasts; and Beverage sponsors are Dad’s Hat Whiskey and Flying Fish beer.
Preview Party, Friday, March 31st
The Party begins with the ceremonial splitting of a log using a two-person gang saw.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is the Cultural collaborator for this year’s Show. An exhibition of images representing the library / museum’s unique collection and upcoming historical, literary and educational activities will be on view.
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is the Community collaborator for this year’s Show. Habitat’s current Philadelphia construction projects will be presented and staff will be on hand during the Preview Party.
The winner of the 2017 Emerging Artist Competition will display his or her work.
The award-winning a cappella group Penn Counterparts from the University of Pennsylvania will perform.
Dad’s Hat Whiskey and Flying Fish beer will have craft beverage sampling to pair with hand-crafted furniture.
Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by 12th Street Catering.
The Rittenhouse Hotel is offering a special weekend package for guests.
2017 Emerging Artist Competition
The Emerging Artist Competition is again sponsored by The Furniture Society, a national, nonprofit, educational organization based in Durham, NC. The prestigious Competition is open to any apprentice, current student or graduate within three years of commencement. Skill, craftsmanship, design, innovation, beauty, and presentation are the criteria.
The winner of the Emerging Artist Competition will be announced in early March. He or she will receive a booth at the Show in which to display his or her work, as well as a mentorship session from Furniture Society jurors.
If you go
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd St, between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia
When: Friday, March 31, Preview Party, 6-9pm, $45. (VIP Passes for $75 include access throughout the weekend and complimentary champagne)
Saturday, April 1, 10am – 6pm, $15, students $8
Sunday, April 2, 10am – 5pm, $15, students $8
Weekend Pass: $12 in advance
Info: Tickets can be purchased at www.philadelphiafurnitureshow.
In concert with Philadelphia’s centuries-old tradition of fine woodworking, the Philadelphia Furniture Show has exhibited exceptional, artisan-quality furniture and furnishings annually since 1995. Exhibitors are invited to participate based on the quality of their work. The Furniture Show is produced by Green Tree Events, also the producers of New England Made Giftware and Specialty Food Shows (www.nemadeshows.com). Contact: Stefa Normantas, info@greentreeevents.com, 215.387.8590.
