Our first
High Point Market is behind us now so I thought I'd share a few thoughts about the experience.
Anyone remotely connected to or familiar with the furniture industry probably knows about High Point. But for most folks, it's not something that they are aware even exists. The 6-day market, held every April and October, takes place in downtown High Point, which is located in central North Carolina, between Winston/Salem and Raleigh/Durham. In addition to being known for tobacco, this region is also home to a huge furniture and textiles industry.
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| The IHFC building at High Point Market. |
When you generally think of "a" market or trade show, you envision a building, like a convention center, or perhaps cluster of buildings. One thing that makes High Point Market stand out is the fact that it takes place in dozens of buildings and involves hundreds of showrooms and exhibits, ranging from 10x10 booths to entire floors of high rise buildings (like the high-rise IHFC building shown here) encompassing tens of thousands square-foot displays. Most exhibitors have permanent showrooms, but some move in only for Market Week like we did.
We were on the top floor of the Suites at Market Square in a "temporary" exhibit space called the "Made in America" pavilion. Most of the exhibitors were furniture manufacturers, rug companies and businesses that market accessories, such as lighting and drapery. There were a few other artists on our floor, including a sculptor, who welded together ordinary objects like wrenches and gears to create whimsical creatures, and a fellow Texas artist who created huge pressed leaf and flower works.
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| Our showroom at High Point Market, Spring 2012 |
Our space was just over 500 square feet, which allowed us to actually create a gallery onsite. The intent was not to sell at the market as much as it was to connect with designers and buyers to create connections for long-term relationships. I'm pleased to report that we met that goal. I am now in talks with two show rooms, one an upholstery company and the other a furniture design firm, and hope to be exhibiting my Wildflowers with both at the October High Point Market! I'll also be following up on at least two potential licensing deals, one with a tapestry manufacturer and another with a children's furniture company.
I've posted a few photos here but if you'd like to see more, including several street shots around downtown High Point that gives you a better feel for the market, please visit my artist Facebook page album page by
clicking here.
By exhibiting at the High Point Market, we also met many interior designers, who often buy art for clients. After getting to meet a representative of
Interior Design Society, I applied to join the national organization as an "industry partner." My application was accepted, which includes membership in the local IDS chapter in Austin. I'm looking forward to networking with designers in the region, as well as across the US, through this professional membership.
While we worked hard setting up, researching, making connections and (even harder) breaking down and loading out, David and I still found time to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region.
We were able to catch up with some old friends from my Texas Lutheran College days, Ted and Oralia, who moved to NC some time back. At my request for some authentic North Carolina barbecue, we met at
Carter Brothers BBQ in High Point after the Market on Wednesday. We enjoyed both the food, learning that NC BBQ is almost always pork and the sauces are vinegar based, and getting to catch up with our friends. When asked what we should try to see before leaving, Ted suggested Pilot Mountain and Mount Airy, which turned out to be one of two brief road trips we took toward the end of our visit that made for wonderful memories.
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| David with Pilot Mountain in the background. |
The first roadtrip was a drive up to
Pilot Mountain, north of Winston/Salem, on Thursday afternoon. Pilot Mountain is part of an ancient mountain range known as Sauratown, named for the Saura Indian tribe. The natives and then early settlers used the top “knob” of the mountain as directional tool to "pilot" their trips, hence the name. Soaring over 1400 feet into the air, this natural landmark was first mapped by Thomas Jefferson's father in the 1700s. The views from the top of the ridge were breathtaking: farm land and green forest as far as the eye could see, the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance (and, yes, they are blue), ravens soaring overhead and, of course, the top of Pilot Mountain.
After coming back down the mountain, a short drive north took us to
Mount Airy, perhaps best known as the setting and, inspiration of the 1960s TV town of Mayberry. Unfortunately, we got into downtown after the stores and businesses were closed. However, we did get to eat at Aunt Bea's, which had nothing to do with the Andy Griffith show other than borrowing the character's name. But they did serve great North Carolina barbecue, some very interesting sauce and a very friendly lady behind the counter who welcomed us with a smile and genuine Southern hospitality.
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| Linda at Upper Cascade Falls at Hanging Rock State Park. |
Our second excursion came Friday afternoon. Once our crate was packed and ready for shipment, David and I decided to go exploring one last time. After a quick Google of
“scenic drives” for the area, we headed northwestward again, but this time for
Hanging Rock State Park. Not far from Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock is also part of Sauratown Mountains. The drive to and around the mountain was almost as interesting as the park itself. Rolling hills that are lush and green, wildflowers, native blooming trees, pretty homes and old barns all come to mind when I recall the drive up NC 66 enroute to Hanging Rock.
We entered the park and again drove up the mountain in search of look out points. Near the park office we parked and took a walking trail that led us to the Upper Cascades Falls. While the park was busy with campers in designated areas, we had a private viewing of the water fall and were able to enjoy the sounds and glory of nature.
We had a early afternoon flight on Saturday, so we were able to take our time, pack up, check out and head to airport, which was about an hour away from our hotel. We wanted to grab breakfast at a “local” restaurant and ended up at
Biscuitville, which is a regional chain. They have their act together and it was one of the best “fast-food” breakfast experiences we ever had!
We enjoyed our first visit to High Point Market and to North Carolina and agreed that we will return in October for the Fall Market.
After a good night's rest, we arrived at Pier 92 by 9:30 a.m., ready to set up for the expo. However, they were not ready for us. Due to a glitch with the company providing the walls for the booths, set up was postponed for several hours and we were told to return after 3 p.m. Since it was out of our control, David and decided to seize the moment and explore NYC. We had always talked about doing a double-decker bus tour and the timing was perfect. We scooted back to Times Square, bought our tickets and boarded the bus. The tour took us through mid town, the Garment District, Chelsea, So-Ho, Greenwich Village and Wall Street. Out of respect for the lives lost on 9-11, they do not drive by Ground Zero, but pointed out its location and the Freedom Tower under construction. The tour looped back around and all too quickly we were back in Times Square. But just as well since we were due back at Pier 92 for set up. By the time we got back, the booth walls were up and after a wait, our crate of art that I had shipped ahead was delivered to our booth. The rest of evening was spent unpacking and setting up, finishing around 10 p.m.
My "Romantic Rendezvous" umbrella was a big hit in the Designer Showcase at the CHA show in Anaheim, Calif, last month. 
Here's the manufacture's description....
Several highlights to mention but at the top of the list was getting to one of the artists featured in the "Designer Showcase." We are able to set up a display of product mock-ups and marketing materials for potential licensing for my wildflower art. Art Directors and company representatives walked the showcase over a 2-day period, Jan. 30-31. We were able to give out a good number of press packets and business cards and will soon start the follow up. As you may know, my wildflowers have been featured on watches sold in the UK for the last 4 years and we are hoping to continue to build on that success! As you tell from the photos here, we continue to look at fabric (as seen on the umbrella, purse and pillow) as well as paper and other product applications.
We were able to spend many hours walking the trade show, seeing new products, talking with company reps and getting to try various materials during Make-it-N-Take-it sessions. An exciting opportunity that came my way as a result was the chance to "play" with a great air-dry polymer clay from the folks at Makin's Clay. I had a chance to do several small projects, with the thoughts of summer art camps AND classes for adults in the back of mind the whole time. This polymer clay is easy to use and only limited by your imagination. I'm posting some photos of items on display in the Makin's Clay booth to give you just a small glimpse of what can be done. You can be sure that classes in using Makin's Clay will be on the next Casa de Linda schedule!
Thanks to the folks at iLoveToCreate, David and I both got to play a bit using Scribble Stamps on simple quilt blocks. But we didn't bring these home. Instead, the company was inviting folks to create blocks that would be make into quilts and donated to children's homes. How cool is that?! We had a great time. There's a special connection for me personally with iLoveToCreate. These are the same people who own the Duncan brand of ceramic paints and supplies. I did lots of business with them back in the 1970s and 1980s when, along with my family, I had a business called Linda's Ceramic Supply in my hometown of Floresville, Texas. This was huge wholesale and retail ceramic shop that started with a tiny kiln and 13 molds that I bought for $100 in 1976. It ran its course and due to a downturn in the economy and a downward spiral in the ceramics industry as a whole in the early 1980s, we closed the business in 1986. But it was a great run while it lasted and Duncan will always be a part of creative past and have a special place in my heart.
Yes, we had a great time getting dabble with paint-n-clay, but we also spent several hours in business seminars presented by CHA. This is a great perk of being a member of this national organization. David spent time in two workshops focused on the Internet and Social Media. I participated in a seminar led by none other than Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Pantone is that company who, through tons of research, announces the what color or colors will be hot in the coming year. By the way, for 2012, it's Tangerine Tango. While one color tends to get the spotlight, the seminar was really about 9 palettes that will be showing up in homes, fashion, and more in the coming year. It was just amazing to learn what all goes in to selecting the palettes and where those influences come from. 
