Artisan Resource™, a new trade show for U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers, and wholesalers, confirms the participation of 62 companies representing 18 countries at its first semi-annual edition during the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF), August 19-21 at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92.
Countries to be showcased in the first Artisan Resource trade show are: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, and South Africa.
“Artisan Resource provides these overseas artisan enterprises with a valuable production-sourcing venue in the U.S. and offers attendees an unparalleled one-stop-sourcing access to quality handicrafts from across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East,” says Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF Director and GLM Vice President. “This new event – directed to volume import buyers – is a perfect complement to NYIGF’s Handmade® Global Design offerings.”
The debut of Artisan Resource will feature significant representation from the Caribbean, Central and South America, including: Artisan Business Network, Haiti (crafts from paper-mâché, found objects, natural materials, and ceramics); American Chamber of Commerce of Peru, Peru (handmade products); Belart and ProPueblo, Colombia and Ecuador (crafts from sustainable materials, including tagua, agave, horn, bone, silk, gold, and silver); Caribbean Craft, Haiti (recycled paper mache and steel sculptures made from used drums, soapstone sculptures, and sisal/vine baskets ); Ecuador Trade Office, Ecuador (handmade products); Haiti Projects, Haiti (embroidered linen, cotton clothing, and accessories); La Casa Cotzal S.A., Guatemala (textiles, wood, ceramics and metal furnishings, folk art, and home accessories); Sapia, Colombia (sustainable products using natural plant material); and Talentos, Bolivia (alpaca fiber handicrafts).
Africa, Asia, and the Middle East also will be well-represented at the launch, with confirmed exhibitors including: CARANA Corporation – Artisans of Morocco, Morocco (home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories); Federation Sahalandy, Madagascar (silk and cotton home textiles and accessories); Greenarte – Artesanato Sustentável de Moçambique, Mozambique (modern and distinctly Mozambican designs); Noah’s Ark, India (recycled forged iron handicrafts); Source, South Africa (high-quality handmade products); Friends of Tilonia, Inc., India, and Mexico (wild silk textiles, black pottery home décor and accessories, natural fiber textiles, and handblown glass); and Zardozi Markets for Afghan Artisans, Afghanistan and Pakistan (embroidered gifts, accessories, home furnishing, and clothing).
In addition to exhibits, Artisan Resource will offer a comprehensive series of seminars for exhibitors and attendees. Programming includes a daily “Importing 101” seminar, addressing importing basics, FOB pricing, customs, warehousing, and distribution. This free session will be presented at Pier 92, at 9:00 a.m., August 19-21. Exhibitor sessions will help to orient overseas artisans to U.S. business practices, as well as gift and home industry trends. An opening night reception is planned on the exhibit floor at Pier 92 for all market-goers, on Sunday, August 19, from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Information and registration is available online at http://www.nyigf.com/TheShow/NYIGFDivisions/ARSeminarsEvents.aspx.
