Rose Squared Art Shows, Rockville, MD
Both Howard and Janet Rose were full time teachers at a central New Jersey High School. Janet taught English for 26 years and Howard was a Vocational Graphic Arts teacher for 27 years. They retired in June 2000.
Before beginning show promotion, both were professional potters creating wheel-thrown, functional stoneware participating at quality craft shows for approximately 6 years throughout the Northeast (Lincoln Center, Peters Valley, etc). Knowing what it is like being exhibitors allows them to create a show with the exhibitors interests, both fiscal and physical, in mind. They are committed to keeping out “buy/sell” and reducing as much of the “risk” an exhibit takes in participating in their shows (see the links to our blogs in this regard).
After assisting running an art and craft show at their Temple, Howard and Janet decided to form Rose Squared Productions, Inc. and try to create a quality, juried event in Essex County. The name Rose Squared is from Howard's grandmother, Rose Rose, and being two Roses, formed the business with the appropriate name.
Their first show was held at South Mountain Arena in West Orange, NJ. After the second year, the business was expanded to include free-to-the-public shows in Montclair, Verona, Upper Montclair, and Cranford in co-sponsorship with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.
Rose Squared Productions, Inc. presents four shows annually with 140 to 175 exhibitors. Artists and fine crafters from throughout the East Coast and beyond participate in these well-attended, well-organized events. When the weather gods shine down upon the shows, attendance is from 12,000-16,000. They are now celebrating over 37 years in business.
