Beckman’s Handcrafted Show^®, an exclusive component of The Chicago Market: Living and Giving^™, running January 15-21, 2009, announces a call for artists to exhibit.

Beckman’s, held January 17-20, is a “Meet the Artist” show, encompassing everything including mixed media, functional art, home décor, fiber, fine jewelry, gourmet and traditional rustic craft. Retailers will truly see a little bit of everything—and much of it has never been seen before. Beckman’s will continue to feature a high-end exhibitor base built through an application process to guarantee the most valuable attendee experience.

Exhibitor participation criteria includes: artists must be the maker, designer, creator and producer of their work, using little or no prefabricated materials; work must be original; there is no use of commercial kits or molds; and finally, artist’s presence is required.

“Beckman’s offers retailers the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind resources, which can help to set their store apart from the competition,” said Lindsay Pearson, director of sales for Beckman’s Handcrafted Show. “Handmade favorites, cutting-edge design and everything in between rounds out a broad exhibitor base, giving buyers a wide selection of artisan works.”

Buyers from lifestyle-retail shops, galleries, furniture stores, museum gift shops and specialty boutiques, to name a few, attend The Chicago Market: Living and Giving, all seeking unique, distinctive product to excite their customers. Retail categories span hundreds of showrooms and exhibitors across all major categories.

Giving buyers more product, more special events and more educational programming, Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, along with The Chicago Market, will offer more than ever this January. With an expanding exhibitor base, buyers will find the friendly environment of The Merchandise Mart not only productive, but also inspiring—driving consumers to their stores for the season’s most unique, one-of-a-kind product.

The deadline for directory inclusion is November 4, 2008. Artists who are new to Beckman’s will receive $750 in marketing credit to complete their comprehensive package offered. For more information on participating as an exhibitor, please call Lindsay Pearson, director of sales, at 312.527.7929 or e-mail lpearson@beckmans.com.