Blog

When it comes to the fusion of architecture and art, these four artists and makers do it well. Find out how they use everyday buildings and structures as fundamental sources of inspiration for their dynamic creations. Emerald Art Gallery LLC In an effort to compromise between his passion for creative expression and his family's desire for a stable career, Leon Ruiz initially studied civil… Read More

These four skilled makers that will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Spring Show, April 26-28, enjoy exploring the whimsical and marvelous side of life with their quirky works of art. Morgan Jones Art Former Director of Sales turned full-time artist, Morgan Jones is inspired by the casual observation of people and life around him. His keen eye for texture and composition, coupled with a… Read More

All things pop culture inspire these four one-of-a Kind makers whose playful, nostalgic work tell stories of past and current societal influences. jaccola.com Mortgage banker by day, artist by night, Jason Accola largely draws from his childhood psyche, which was heavily influenced by pop culture, history, cinema, music, comedy and especially MTV. Tell us about your work. Jason: I love… Read More

We spoke to four colorful artists whose vibrant creations take you on a journey of self-discovery, joy, and transformation. Embark on a ride with them at the 2024 One of a Kind Spring Show. Julie Amlin Artist, muralist, and writer, Julie Amlin is enamored with color. She aims to harness the power of color within her work to invite fun, ignite self-reflection and inspire a renewed experience of… Read More

We spoke with four artists and makers that will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Holiday Show who grew up being inspired, guided and supported in their artistic endeavors by their loved ones because creating runs in their families. Angie Thieszen Wood Stain Art Angie Thieszen creates realistic works of original art by hand-drawing detailed sketches on wood, then staining and coating them… Read More

We sat down with four artists and makers whose animated, playful and feel-good creations encourage everyone to have a little fun and find joy in the simple things in life. Bagman Studios In 2016, illustrator Abbas Husain joined forced with printmaker Noreen Walls to create lighthearted screen prints that feature surreal and funny combinations of creatures and colors. What motivates you to… Read More

For these four One of a Kind artists, creating is a form of therapeutic self-care. They find joy, comfort, relief, and healing in their process and works of art and they hope that others will too. Deb Reutter Jewelry A former teacher turned beaded jewelry artist, Deb Reutter uses tiny Japanese glass beads to create one-of-a-kind pieces from everyday details, patterns and colors that inspire… Read More

We caught up with four artists whose global cultural backgrounds, travels, and experiences have influenced their artistic creativity. Step into their worlds at the One of a Kind Holiday Show, December 7-10! Jacqueline Garrity Although classically trained, metalsmith Jaqueline Garrity's formula for design is anything but standard. Rather, Jacqueline cites her creative process as unique and… Read More

Coming in hot! We spoke with four emerging artists new to the One of a Kind Show. Meet them in-person in the Emerging Market at the upcoming Spring Show, April 28-30! Artologie Studio With her paintings, Shraddha Dharia desires to capture the essence of the natural world and abstract it so that it becomes an invitation for everyone to look beyond the here and now. What is your creative… Read More

For many, Nature is the basis of life, and art. We caught up with four artists who will be exhibiting their organic creations at the 2023 One of a Kind Spring Show. Monarca Amanda Pohlman and her sister Olga started their women operated jewelry business, Monarca, in a small city in the southwest of Colombia. Today, they work out of a studio in Stanford, CA creating handmade pieces made from… Read More

You are Be-You-Tiful. We spoke with four Spring 2023 One of a Kind artists and makers whose creations encourage and empower everyone to love the skin they're in--from the inside out. dŌSA Naturals Charita Lucus, along with her sisters Audrella and Charlotte, are on a mission to help all people feel embraced, supported and loved in their own skin through dOSA Naturals' wonderful line of… Read More

"Mix and Match" is the rule of life for these four Spring 2023 show makers whose work is inspired by a blend of their interests, passions, and experiences. Io the Alien Sarah Spencer of Io the Alien is a Chicago based artist, teacher, and music radio personality known for blending her passion for music with textile art by creating large pieces inspired by songs. What led you to create your… Read More

Did you know that the average person changes careers 5-7 times over the course of their working life? We spoke with four artists who will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Holiday Show who took the leap from their traditional jobs to pursue their craft full-time! T. Hall Wood & Design Timothy Hall meticulously handcrafts pieces for the home from salvaged wood native to his home in Union Pier,… Read More

Birds of a feather create together! We talked with four unique maker duos who will be exhibiting at the upcoming One of a Kind Holiday Show. Uptown Common Jenny Anderson knots macramé pieces by hand. Her husband, Grant crafts premium leather goods. In 2020 the Brownsburg, Indiana couple joined forces to start Uptown Common and make goods meant to last a lifetime. Tell us about your work.Jenny: I… Read More

Shopping with sustainability in mind this holiday season? At the One of a Kind Holiday Show, there's no shortage of sustainably created goods. We spoke with four artists and makers who create with an eco-friendly approach. Independent Ironware Paul Angiolillo runs a small blacksmith shop in Jackson, Wyoming that specializes in heritage carbon steel cookware. These pieces are made by hand using… Read More

We can't say it enough - shop local! Better yet, shop from artists whose work is inspired by the boldness and beauty of the Windy City! We chatted with four local artists who draw inspiration from Chicago's culture and aesthetic. Kuketa Designer Maria Cicarelli, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has been creating since childhood when her aunt gave her a needle and thread.… Read More

There's no place like home! We caught up with four artists specializing in handcrafted home goods who will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Spring Show about their unique work, what led them to a life in the arts, and more. Laura Novy Chicago-based ceramicist Laura Novy slip-casts items in low fire clay, often adding additional texture and color with a variety of glazes and materials. Tell us… Read More

With the wide variety of fine artists exhibiting at the One of a Kind Spring Show, you are bound to find something that resonates with you. We spoke with four Spring show artists about their work, their artistic process, and more. LYDIASTUDIO Splitting her time between Chicago and Nashville, artist Lydia Cash embraces a sense of freedom and irreverence in her large scale abstract and figurative… Read More

No matter your personal style--bold, minimalistic or somewhere in-between--the fashion at the One of a Kind Spring Show is sure to catch your eye. We spoke with four gifted designers about their work, inspiration, and lives as creatives. Kate VanAsten Chicago designer Kate VanAsten crafts casual yet elevated clothing for women using luxe eco-friendly materials, She is bringing her dreamy new… Read More

The upcoming One of a Kind Spring Show offers a feast for the eyes...and taste buds! We chatted with four gourmet artisans about their work and the delicious creations they'll be bringing to the show. Abokichi Abokichi is a creative food brand based in Canada and inspired by co-founder Fumi Tsukamoto's Japanese heritage. We spoke with Fumi to learn more about Abokichi. How did Abokichi get… Read More

Whether you love to make a bold statement with your wardrobe or prefer to don versatile and classic pieces, there is something for you at the One of a Kind Holiday Show! We chatted with four fantastic designers about their work and what they are bringing to the upcoming show. Isabelle Gougenheim Isabelle Gougenheim is based in Chicago but originally from Strasbourg, France. Prior to launching… Read More

With the wide range of art offered at this year's One of a Kind Holiday Show, you are sure to find something that "speaks" to you or your loved ones! We caught up with three talented visual artists to find out more about them and their work ahead of the upcoming show. Kevin Lahvic Contemporary artist Kevin Lahvic participates in more than two dozen art openings annually, including the One of a… Read More

Get your taste-buds ready! We asked three One of a Kind Show makers who will be featured in our Gourmet Market some questions to get to know them a little better before we meet them in person this December. Old Salt Merchants Old Salt Merchants is a Hispanic woman-owned and operated provisions company led by Monique Rodriguez based in Berkeley, CA. Monique's mission is to ignite and expand her… Read More

Home sweet home! We asked these makers who create beautiful and functional pieces for the home a few questions to learn a little more about them before we meet them in-person at the One of a Kind Holiday Show. This Quiet Dust Ceramics This Quiet Dust is a ceramic studio established by Dubhe Carreño in the suburbs of Chicago. Dubhe creates simple yet elegant handmade porcelain tableware bringing… Read More

Grab your shopping bags, the Spring edition of One of a Kind Show is coming to the Mart at the end of April. The show will feature about 350 makers, of which about 150 are new to the show. With so much exceptional work to shop from, plan on a fun filled day (or two!) at the show. And when you get tired and need to re-energize, kick back at our Patio Cafe and enjoy great food, drinks and live… Read More

This week's One of a Kind Show is an ideal place to find that perfect item of clothing to keep you (or someone on your gift list) warm and cozy, and looking great all winter long. We spoke to three talented apparel designers and got a sneak peek of what they will be bringing to the show. Pico Vela After attending Parsons School of Design in NYC and Paris, where she won the Student Designer of… Read More

This year's Holiday Show will feature close to 100 painters, printmakers, illustrators, photographers, and multimedia artists who create one of a kind pieces that can help make a home truly unique. We asked four of them a few questions to get to know them a little better before we meet them in person in December. Adrianne Hawthorne Ponnopozz is named after two imaginary friends, Ponno and… Read More

The One of a Kind Holiday Show kicks off the gifting season early with "One of a kind Finds" -- it's first ever scavenger hunt! We have hidden gifts across the city and will release clues this Friday, 11/22. Chicagoans and fans of the show are invited to follow along on the show's Instagram (@ooakchicago) as clues will be released throughout Friday morning, sharing the locations of hiding spots… Read More

The One of a Kind Holiday Show will feature a treasure trove of adornments from amazingly talented jewelry makers. We talked to four of them to find out more about their work and inspiration. Check out what they said and get to know them in person at this year's Holiday show. Abacus Row Detailed and meticulously crafted by artist Christine Trac, every piece of her jewelry is designed for the… Read More

At this year's Holiday show, creativity not only comes in all shapes and sizes but also tastes! We asked three new One of a Kind Show makers some questions to get to know them a little better before we meet them in person in December. Sugoi Sweets Sugoi means amazing or awesome in Japanese. And amazing these Sugoi Sweets are. Artist Elle Lei makes artisanal colorful chocolates and confections… Read More

19 Years – over which many things have changed. The show has grown in size (doubled!), bringing more talent to Chicago shoppers each year, it even moved from 8th to the 7th floor (you may have not even noticed). But one thing that has always remained is the love and passion for handmade work that our shoppers and makers alike bring to the show each year. ❤️This December, we are bringing back… Read More

The idea behind Fast Mary’s Bloody Mary Enhancer came from owner Wendi Winkler, a chemist, who developed the product while working as a bartender in Wisconsin. One of a Kind: What is Fast Mary's Bloody Mary enhancer?Wendi: It's a dill-inspired, craft blend of seasonings that are enjoyed in a Bloody Mary. Fast Mary's contains no MSG, it is gluten-free and naturally-vegan. It's a versatile… Read More

Maria and Veronica are the mother-daughter duo behind leather handbag company Maria Castelli. Together, they meticulously craft each bag in a small NYC workshop using top grain leathers and high-quality skins from the best tanneries in the world. One of a Kind: Please tell us about your beautiful handbags. Maria: Our handbags are thoughtfully designed and carefully made so that they last for… Read More

Jennifer O’Meara pioneered digital photographic printmaking in 1991 by experimenting with and successfully adapting Iris 3047 printers for use in fine art printmaking. Her studio was third of its kind devoted to printing with the Iris 3047, and the first devoted to the work of a single artist. One of a Kind: Can you tell us more about your photography and the process? Jennifer: Although I’ve… Read More

Akeyse Stylelines designer Jennifer Akese-Burney incorporates colorful African prints with western silhouettes to create wonderfully vibrant modern apparel. One of a Kind: How would you describe your work. Jennifer: My work is basically wearable art, which fuses a classic bold silhouette and a taste of avant garde, with a focus on fit and functionality. For my fabric jewelry, I sew cutout… Read More

Austin-based jewelry artist Rebekah Vinyard is inspired by architecture, simple geometric shapes and ancient relics and symbols. Her pieces always manage to make a statement while remaining effortlessly wearable. One of a Kind: We are so happy you are making your debut at the Spring show. What are you bringing for our shoppers? Rebekah: I'll be bringing my whole line including my newest… Read More

Grab your shopping bags, the Spring edition of One of a Kind Show is coming to the Mart at the end of April. The show will feature about 350 makers, of which about 150 are new to the show. With so much exceptional work to shop from, plan on a fun filled day (or two!) at the show. And when you get tired and need to re-energize, kick back at our Patio Cafe and enjoy great food, drinks and live… Read More

The 18th annual Holiday Show opens NEXT WEEK. Our One of a Kind Show regulars will surely be here!  We asked them why the Show is special to them, here are 10 responses.  Notice some themes? "Best show in Chicago! So many wonderful vendors. Live entertainment, yummy food, easy parking and entry!" ... Lisa Coen"I always find gifts that are so unexpected for my family. It's never… Read More

A lot at the upcoming 18th annual Holiday Show!  Close to 150 exhibiting artists are first-timers to One of a Kind.  Check out the complete list here and enjoy this peek at just a few the goodies they'll be bringing! Joyful handmade ceramics from SOFT Studio (above) will add a pop of color and sunshine to your home this winter! EB creates the perfect understated… Read More

Debbie Wood makes treats that are, first and foremost, delicious and rich but at the same time, made with simple and nutritious ingredients that happen to be grain-free, gluten-free and low in sugar. One of a Kind:  Welcome to the One of  a Kind Show!  What will you be bringing in December? Debbie:  This is a very exciting show for us because we are launching a new "gifting"… Read More

Based in Richmond, VA, Nicole Maslowski designs jewelry that is both minimal and bold.  She's also an animal lover--donating a portion of Maslo's sales to Pets for Vets. One of a Kind:  Tells us about Maslo Jewelry. Nicole:  I like to combine industrial materials such as copper and brass with geometric shapes and asymmetry to create classic statement pieces.  My pieces… Read More

Mary Hamby uses the classic techniques of weaving, ceramics and woodworking to create fiber jewelry and modern art. One of a Kind:  Tell us about your work. Mary:  I am a full time artist working out of my studio in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The name of my business comes from a place that inspires me--the address of the home where I grew up in Greenville, South… Read More

Paper Liberated's Ashley Chiang manipulates colorful strips of paper turning them into intricate masterpieces. One of a Kind:  Tell us about your work. Ashley:  When you buy a three dimensional piece of art you are investing in the experience it brings.  It is never just one view point but many and this is true for the 3D aspects of paper quilling.  Changing light and paint… Read More

New One of a Kind Show artist Aron Fischer works with hardwoods, clay and metals to create small batch kitchen-wares, utensils and provisions. One of a Kind:  Tell us about your work. Aron:  I love to combine different materials in interesting and unexpected ways.  I have a "primitive modern" aesthetic and by creating pieces that are somewhat rough and crude, I am able to… Read More

Projections will be running each Wednesday - Sunday at dusk from now through the end of the year. The dazzling public art display launched at the end of September and turned the city’s iconic Merchandise Mart into a 2.5-acre art canvas. With 34 projectors totaling almost one million lumens projected on the building façade, this is the largest permanent projection system in… Read More