The Heat is On in the Twin Cities

I don’t know about you but everyone we’ve talked to that attended the Twin Cities Arts and Crafts Show a couple weekends ago has had nothing but exceptional things to say. We’re always happy to report when a show was a success. “The crowd that comes are always eager buyers and this year was no different” stated show director Brian Smith. “We are proud to have both antique and contemporary dealers offering items under one roof.”

Present at this year’s show were dealers from 18 different states offering antique and contemporary furnishings from the Arts and Crafts Movement. Antiques dealers such as California Historical Design, Phil Taylor Antiques, J&G Antiques and JC Dreamlight were exhibiting, just to name a few. Contemporary dealers exhibiting included Dard Hunter Studios, Laura Wilder, Ford Craftsman Studios, and many more. Also exhibiting were local architects, David Heide Design and SALA Architects, who were on hand to answer questions for those looking to update their bungalows. We had the opportunity to catch up with metalsmith Frank Glapa regarding his involvement with the show. “It was great!” Frank said. “Attendance was excellent and everything went very smoothly.”

The weekend also featured two special presentations for attendees to gain a little more insight into a couple of Arts and Crafts topics. Gus Bostrom of California Historical Design (bottom photo), gave a presentation on “Bay Area Copper” in response to his recently published book discussing the importance of San Francisco in the early 20th century during the height of the Arts and Crafts movement. He highlighted hand-hammered copperwork and Dirk van Erp, arguably the greatest coppersmith of the era. “It was a really good show with a strong crowd” Gus stated. “It was my first time with the Twin Cities show and folks in the Minneapolis area seemed very enthusiastic and excited about shopping the show and learning more about the movement.”

Tom Gallenburg of Gallenburg Studios, also gave a presentation, “The Benefits of Custom Made Furniture”. Tom specializes in building custom furniture in the Greene and Greene style and was also an exhibitor at this year’s show. “It was excellent. People are out looking to buy and doing so with a very positive attitude” Tom said. “I think the economy is coming back around and people are fulfilling some of their desires to purchase things they’ve been holding off on. I think it could be an excellent year for dealers.”

The show attracts attendees from Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and beyond. The Twin Cities Show, now in its 14th year, has proven to be the largest show in the midwest focusing on the Arts and Crafts Movement and one of the best overall shows in the area.

Plans are already underway for the 15th Anniversary next year so be sure to check out the Twin Cities website at www.twincitiesartsandcraftsshow.com or follow Eastwood Gallery on Facebook.

Top photo courtesy of Eastwood Gallery

Bottom photo courtesy of Lacey Krohn