Memories are so odd.  I live near this place yet I NEVER ever go there anymore.  No reason to, I guess.  So my first time back to the Plaza was last year for the show.  Things have changed and not for the better. The ride to the show looks like buildings of blight.  The Plaza was once very vibrant though it hasn't been so for many years.  It was the home of Marshall Field's 5th store.  Many of us recalled free delivery in a green Field's truck, lunch from the "Chuck Wagon" and I recall buying my parent's 25th wedding anniversary gift from the Williamsburg Shop.

I wish my dad was around, not to lament how much things have changed (some for better, some for worse) but just because being there makes me think of him and when I do, I remember him being hilarious and kind.  

So I felt joy and melancholy.  I kept trying to imagine being an artist who was not hyper local.  What would I think if I did this show for the first time?  Worried, I imagine!  The Plaza is nearly empty of businesses so the show it the only real draw. I suspect it would take me a few hours to simmer down and just enjoy the ease of the setup, the friendliness and wait for buying to begin.  Year two did not disappoint.  I just hope next year my bigger shows don't perform like a small show!

For me there were two elements of note.  One was the horrific heat.  This summer has been pretty temperate, but the thermometer read well over 90 during these two days.  It's hard to sell fashion when you literally have sweat dripping off the end of your nose (please use your Roseanne Rosannadana voice). 

The other event was winning second place!   I got a lovely ribbon and $150!  My tent was full of people.  And I never win so I don't even pay attention to announcements.  But this time I heard my name.  It was thrilling.  

Blogging is fun.  I'll try and do more of it.  I'll get more interesting as time goes on, I suspect.

Park Forest is a thrill for me because it's in my neighborhood.  My dad's business was down the street for his entire career.  The Park Forest Plaza was historic in that it was one of the first suburbs created in the 40's and 50's.  A model community for the middle class leaving the city and coming out to raise young families.  Many locals still remember Newman Pharmacy and my dad, the Pharmacist and owner, Oscar Peck.

For a small show, i did really well last year so I look forward to returning this year.  I do remember the epic wind that blew all my busts to the ground.  So strong, my tent shimmied toward my neighbor.  I freaked out because I couldn't figure out how to stop the destruction.  My neighbor mocked me.  It was awful. Finally I put the busts away and put every piece flat.  It looked hideous but and least things stopped falling and breaking on the pavement.

Finally, after 6 years of shows and several broken busts and pieces, I found my solution at RAW in May. Mesh panels save the day.  The tent sides hit your mesh panels and block the wind from knocking everything over.  The stay bars at the base of your tent stabilize the structure.

So bring on the weather.  But not so much that my customers stay away.  I looked forward to the show with bitter sweetness.  Sad for the season to end.  Thrilled to have another chance to sell my jewelry.

If you check my website show schedule, you’ll see that my 2014 calendar is filling up! Ever wonder what it’s like to attend one of these very special and entertaining events?

Here’s a video that illustrates the art festival experience, taken at Fountain Square Arts Festival in Evanston, Illinois on July 7, 2013. In it, I have the opportunity to talk about how much I enjoy displaying my fabulous and unique jewelry creations to the enthusiastic crowds who come out to appreciate and shop for them.

Sunshine, fresh air, live music, great food, friendly folks and beautiful works of art - what’s not to love? I’m looking forward to seeing you this season and showing you what’s new from bobbi kahn design jewelry!

BOBBI KAHN DESIGN INTERPRETATION OF THIS TREND