About

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Chicago, IL

The One of a Kind Spring Show is a 3-day show featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of talented artists at Chicago's Mart. We invite artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be part of the One of a Kind Spring experience!  Eligible work ranges from giftable craft to premium fine art.  Applicants will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail. 

Location
The Mart (Indoor Venue)
Chicago, IL

2022 Show Dates and Hours
 April 29 - May 1, 2022

• Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Show Facts

• Featuring approximately 300 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

Acceptance Criteria for Artists (Non Emerging Artists) and Participation Rules
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 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

Acceptance Criteria for Emerging Artists 
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:

• 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
• 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
• Candles
• Ceramics
• Design & Illustration Transfers
• Emerging Artist (All categories)
• Fashion 
• Fiber Art (non-wearable)
• Furniture
• Glass
• Gourmet Foods
• Jewelry - Fashion
• Jewelry- Fine
• Kids
• Leather
• Metal
• Mixed Media
• Painting
• Paper
• Pet Products
• Photography
• Screenprinting
• Sculpture
• Textile & Fabric
• Wood

Booth Information

• Standard Booth - approximately 10'x10' = $1950
• Standard Corner Booth - approximately 10'x10' = $2250
  • Corner configurations consist of 2 walls & 2 sides of exposure, not 3 walls
• Multiple booths are available upon request and the pricing is reflected above
• Booth sharing is not permitted

• 8' high hard walls (1" thick, painted white)
• 4 incandescent flood lights
• Electricity
• Carpeting
• Accessible inventory storage for replenishment
• Online and printed marketing tools
• Booth signage
• Waste basket
• Chair (upon request)
• Pre-show booth cleaning
• Drayage (labor transporting your work to and from the loading dock to your booth)

• Your package will include drayage, signage, lighting, carpet and storage in a designated emerging artist space.
• Emerging ​Package cost = $900 approximately 5'x10'
• Space dimensions and details will be given once finalized 

Marketing, Promotional and Additional Inclusive Benefits

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