For students who want to avoid the debauchery pervading campus this weekend, the Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show may provide an aesthetically pleasing alternative.
"This show is not duplicated anywhere else in the world," show co-Director Bob Ingram said. "This is a once-a-year opportunity for anyone. We have people flying in from all over the world to attend the show."
More than 200 artisans from across the United States will display decorative arts for the home and office at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 12th and Arch streets.
The show has annually attracted thousands of collectors, designers and students over its 10-year history. Despite the event's large scale, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in personal conversations with the artists.
Although it will include ceramic and glass pieces, Ingram does not consider the event a craft show.
At a craft show, "the majority of the exhibitors produce clothing and jewelry," Ingram said. "I became involved with the furniture show because I felt there needed to be a show exclusively dedicated to the decorative arts."
Ingram said that people attending craft shows do not expect to find furniture. Rather, they want the the opportunity to survey a number of pieces.
This year, the show will offer an architectural exhibit featuring 50 select architects from the American Institute of Architects.
Other show highlights include a trombone player and a series of chairs created by students from 17 high schools in the greater Philadelphia area.
Ingram feels it is important for high school students to participate in the show.
The decorative arts are necessary in a well rounded education because "you learn to express yourself in a variety of ways," Ingram said. "Learning how to build and make things is a three-dimensional [process] because you use your hands, heart and mind. A body in motion is an activated mind."
Additionally, Ingram feels the show is particularly enjoyable for college students.
"The most compelling aspect [for college students] is to walk the show," Ingram said. Students attending the show will receive tickets at the student rate of $6, half the price of general admission.
Ingram added that artists featured at the event may help inspire students.
"The majority of our exhibitors have one or more college degrees" Ingram said. "They don't like the corporate world and [instead] choose to make and design things."
