In the spirit of supporting local Canadian artisans and designers, the One of a Kind Show searches the nation to discover new talent to bring Canadians a diverse and distinctly different selection of handmade items.
Makers from across the country will come together to gain exposure and sell their works to a shopping-savvy audience for five days at the One of a Kind Show Spring Show & Sale, from March 26-30, 2014 in Toronto at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.
“Part of our vision is to help artisans and designers from across the country make a living out of their passion,” says Patti Stewart, Show Director, One of a Kind Show. “As Canada’s flagship show and sale for handmade items, our reach is broad and deep to bring together talented artists to create a beautiful marketplace.”
Each season, new brands are unveiled at the One of a Kind Show & Sale – the largest craft show in North America – in efforts to support local artisans and offer fresh items for consumers to discover.
The 2014 Spring Show features a total of 450 artisans and designers, including 150 new participants (representing 33%) – a record high. As a juried show, each applicant is reviewed by a selection committee who are continually impressed by the quality and selection of handmade items by Canadians. Look for new artisans throughout the show in sections such as Rising Stars, Craft Community of Canada and Etsy.
Representing a diversity of Aboriginal nations, the Thunderbird Marketplace is sponsored by Miziwe Biik and features 12 creators, showcasing original designs. Deep cultural roots, expressed in contemporary artistic forms, inspire the individual works, including: leather accessories, gold and silver jewellery, beading, clothing designs, basketry, sculptures and visual art.
Based on a successful show last year, Etsy will return this spring with a lineup of 50 emerging sellers in a designated marketplace. Shop and navigate through the range of beautifully crafted items, including art, photography, men’s and women’s fashions, jewellery and accessories, bath and beauty products, food, home décor and toys.
A feature exhibit at the Spring Show for a fourth season, the One of a Kind Show’s Craft Community of Canada showcases the works in diverse mediums by 10 finalists from award-winning schools and institutions across Canada. Ceramics, textile, glass, fine jewellery, fashion accessories and outdoor décor represent the key categories.
What makes the One of a Kind Show special is in its DNA – creating a show that gives consumers an emotional connection by meeting the makers and by feeling good in shopping local. A focus on homegrown talent, an interactive personal shopping experience, an endless selection of items, on-site perks and show features make the show “destination shopping” at its best.
A special section is designated to emerging talent who together with veteran artisans create a vast array of items such as gourmet food, screen-printed textiles, contemporary ceramics and on-trend fashions, to name a few. Under one roof, guests can discover a range of original handmade Canadian pieces from four key shopping districts: Flavours, Fashion, Green and Rising Stars.
For close to 40 years, the One of a Kind Show is Canada’s flagship show and sale of handcrafted products. The popular spring show sees 60,000 consumers eager to preview new collections, purchase handmade creations, participate in Designer DIY Workshops (Hand Carved Leather Coasters Workshop with Robin Fitzsimons; Shrink Wrap Jewellery Workshop with Camilla Jorgensen), get inspired at the One of a Kind Celebrations display sponsored by Scotch® Brand, and vote for their favourite design in the “A Day in the Country” artisan competition. At centre stage, exciting daily events include special appearances by well-known editors on a range of “how-to” topics along with fashion shows on the season’s latest trends.
Weekdays and Saturday hours are from 10:00am to 9:00pm; Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Late-night shopping is available on Thursday, March 27, from 10:00am to 11:00pm.
Adult ticket price is $14 or $12 online; seniors and youth (13-17) $7; children 12 and under are free. Buy tickets at the door or online at www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto #OOAKS14
The Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Boulevard in Toronto.