REFLECTIONS OF HIGH POINT MARKET SPRING 2012

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.