Huffman Productions, Inc., Antioch, IL
The inaugural AUTUMN FESTIVAL Arts & Crafts show was held in 1983 in Omaha, NE. Jim's involvement with a family woodworking shop, his dad's homebuilding business, & Donna's background in crafts & attention to detail all inspired them to create a marketplace for artists & crafters of diverse talents.
Since that initial event & after adding SPRING FESTIVALS to their line-up, the Huffmans have organized & promoted over 250 arts & crafts shows in 12 markets throughout the Midwest. All shows are held in premier convention center facilities in major metropolitan areas. These fun & festive events draw customers from a radius of hundreds of miles away!
The SPRING & AUTUMN FESTIVAL shows have been consistently ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine's Top 100 Classic & Contemporary Show List! Patrons enjoy shopping the handcrafted wares for artwork, unique home décor & furniture, gifts personalized right at the shows, holiday furnishings, or baby & children's treasures. "Customers love to support the American small businesses of our artists & crafters. They enjoy the personal connection when they meet and visit with the actual artist or craftsman."
In 2005, their oldest daughter Jennifer joined the staff, becoming the second generation Huffman to join the company. Jennifer has taken on more responsibility each year & is now a key part of the management team. After working for the company for 25+ years, Joyce retired in 2011 and moved to Florida. Joyce still travels to the festivals and helps during show time. In early 2012, Summer came on board, and in 2014 Jim and Donna's youngest daughter, Nikki, joined the company. Jennifer, Summer, & Nikki bring a young, progressive element to the events, while still honoring over 37 years of history & the commitment of showcasing exhibitors' individual talents.
In their free time, Jim volunteers as a Boys Town Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach & promoter of the Nebraska Prep Classic Basketball Tournament in Omaha. Donna has been a tutor for the Literacy Center for the Midlands & volunteer for the American Cancer Society & Habitat for Humanity. Both are movie buffs!
