One of a Kind Show

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Interested in Spring 2025 Show
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Acceptance Criteria for Artists

With the wide variety of media and production processes in our show, we recognize that there is no single definition of "handmade". For this reason, each application is independently and thoughtfully reviewed by our selection committee. To qualify for our selection process, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be the artist/designer of your work
  • You must be the original creator/assembler/producer/maker of your work
  • You must understand and have mastered the craft process needed to make your work
  • You must be intimately involved in the production process from start to finish
  • You must create/produce your work in the country in which you reside
  • Artists may have limited assistants/apprentices as long as the original artist is on-site and involved in the production as stated above
  • Artists must be at the show representing their work for the duration of the event
  • Artists may display work only in the media category in which they were accepted
  • Reproduction aids such as molds used in jewelry or ceramics must be created by the applying artist
  • For photographers only: original photography should make up most of the artist's booth
  • For fine artists: signed and numbered limited editions will be permitted
  • Booth sharing is not permitted
  • Fair Trade work is not eligible for participation

Media Categories

  • Accessories (fashion)
  • Bath & Body (FULL)
  • Ceramics
  • Emerging Artists (all categories) (FULL)
  • Fashion
  • Fiber Art (non-wearable)
  • Furniture
  • Glass
  • Gourmet
  • Home Goods
  • Jewelry (FULL)
  • Kids
  • Leather
  • Metal
  • Mixed Media
  • Painting
  • Paper
  • Pet Products
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Wood

Booth Package

Package Pricing
$1,950 per approximate 10' x 10' booth
$400 additional for corner booths

Package Details
Exhibiting artists get an all inclusive booth package:

  • 8' high hard walls, 1" thick, painted white
  • 4 flood lights
  • Multiple booth configuration options
  • Gray carpeting
  • Drayage (the moving of work to and from loading dock and artist booth space)
  • Standard electrical outlet
  • Waste basket
  • Booth signage
  • Storage for inventory replenishment
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Chair (Upon Request)

Emerging Artist Program
The Emerging Artists section of the show includes designated spaces dedicated to talented up and coming artists, designers and makers. To be considered, you must meet the following requirements (in addition to the artist acceptance criteria):

  • First time participant in a One of a Kind Show
  • Less than 3 years of professional experience as a working artist
  • Less than 3 years of professional experience presenting your work (installations, exhibitions and/or art shows)
  • Exceptional work and presentation

$925 per emerging artist space

Comprehensive Marketing Package
Exhibiting artists are equipped with generous materials and exceptional opportunities to promote their presence and enjoy their experience at the show:

  • Listings in online directory featuring artist images and link, and on-site Show Guide
  • Complimentary marketing materials for artist use including customizable emails with free ticket promo code, show banner ads, and booth signage
  • PR exposure via the show's extensive media relations
  • Opportunities for on-site fashion shows
  • Pre-show artist webinar
  • Artist lounge
  • Convenient parking and discounted hotel rates
  • Storage for inventory replenishment

General Information

Location
THE MART (Indoor venue)
Chicago, Illinois

Show Dates and Hours
Friday, Apr 26 — 10am-7pm
Saturday, Apr 27 — 10am-7pm
Sunday, Apr 28 — 10am-5pm

Event Summary
The One of a Kind Spring Show is a 3-day show featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of talented artists that is held at Chicago's Mart. We invite artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind Spring experience!

Applicants will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art.

Show Facts

  • Featuring over 350 artists, designers and makers
  • Show promotion to our database of over 200,000
  • Held in a premium indoor environment with all inclusive hard wall booth package in the heart of downtown Chicago
  • Show will feature special events and sections

Application Process

Applications are now available via Zapplication. To be considered, you will be asked to:

  • Create an online artist profile
  • Prepare and upload 5 digital images in total:
    • 3 images of your work
    • 1 image of your studio/workspace
    • 1 image of your booth/display
  • Submit a $40 USD non-refundable application fee
  • Complete the online application and submit it before midnight (CST) on October 16, 2023 for the early jury; and on February 15th, 2024 for the late jury.

Online Application Process
For technical questions regarding proper image sizing and application issues, please contact Zapplication at [email protected]. For an additional fee, one of our preferred professional photographers will update, digitized and format photos (or slides) for your One of a Kind application through Zapplication. Please contact either of them directly at:

Christy Clow, Christy Clow Photography
773.879.4292
[email protected]
christyclowphotography.com

Larry Sanders, Sanders Visual Images
877.726.3377
[email protected]
juryimage.com

Jury Notification
Notification of your jury status will be emailed to you on October 19, 2023 (early jury) and Feburary 15th, 2024. (late jury); and posted on your profile through Zapplication. Please do not call.

Accepted artists will receive an acceptance email including a contract, booth payment schedule and additional show information via email. First payment is due with contract by Februray 1st.

Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding applying to the show, please contact:

Kathleen Hogan, Show Director
312.527.7642
[email protected]

Marie Gerbasi, Artist Relations
312.527.7757
[email protected]

Pop Up Market

The Pop Up Market by One of a Kind is a unique opportunity for One of a Kind artists to set-up shop in the beautiful lobby of THE MART and connect directly with on-site and neighboring tenants and guests. Apply to showcase your work and build connections at an upcoming Pop Up Market!

February Participants

Collective Harmony Co
Isabell Gougenheim Designs
Iya Natural Skincare
Kiera P Handmade Jewelry
Toffee Traditions
Sweet Nouveau
Sue Rosengard Jewelry
Flowerchild

Upcoming Market: One of a Kind February Pop Up

Date and Time: Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 10am-2pm

Location: Main Lobby of THE MART, Chicago, IL

Participation fee: If selected, there is a $75 fee to participate

Provided: A table, linen, chair, parking, signage and promotion to THE MART tenants, local buildings and the One of a Kind Show attendees.