One of a Kind Spring Show At Merchandise Mart April 29–May 1

This Friday, we'll be ChiILin' in Chi, IL at the inaugural One of a Kind Spring Show! This year’s show features 300 juried artists along with special featured entertainment including a first ever partnership with Lillstreet Art Center (where I used to make pottery back in the day, BTW).

Check back soon for our photo filled review. And don't delay, get your tickets in advance. The show only lasts this Friday through Sunday. Shop early and often for the best selection! We've been covering the December holiday version of the One of a Kind Show for years now, and it's something to see. Check out our past OOAK 2015 photo feature right HERE. 

MORE THAN GREAT SHOPPING AT 

INAUGURAL ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW

Partnerships with Lillstreet, Old Town School of Folk Music and More

The first annual One of a Kind Spring Show at The Mart (222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza) April 29–May 1 will provide shoppers with a full three days of fun and creative activities.

In addition to 300 talented artists selling their work, the show will feature fashion shows, gourmet demonstrations, live performances by musicians from the Old Town School of Folk Music and an exciting, first-time collaboration with Chicago’s Lillstreet Art Center. 

The One of a Kind Spring Show will host the following entertainment programming and special

amenities:

Lillstreet Art Center

For the first time ever, the One of a Kind Show is partnering with the Lillstreet Art Center, a Chicago institution that has been supporting art in the Chicago community for 40 years. The art center will host complimentary demonstrations, workshops and hands-on experiences throughout each day of the show. Lillstreet will introduce shoppers to their unique class offerings including ceramics, metals, drawing and painting, textiles and printmaking that are perfect for the whole family including some classes specifically for children. 

Shoppers can return home notonly with wonderful work from the One of a Kind Spring Show artists but also their own artistic creations. For a full list of Lillstreet programming at the show CLICK HERE.

Music at the Patio Bar by Old Town School of Folk Music

Talented musicians from the Old Town School of Folk Music will perform live music throughout the show at the Patio Bar, located in the center of the show floor. For information on musiciansand the schedule featured at the show please CLICK HERE.

Fashion Shows

Shoppers can enjoy One of a Kind Spring fashions on the runway. Women’s wear, jewelry and accessories will be featured on the Fashion Stage on the east side of the show floor. The One of a Kind Spring Show will present three fashion shows, Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday and

Sunday at 1 p.m.

Gourmet Market Demonstrations

Shoppers can indulge their taste buds at the show’s Gourmet Market on the west side of the show floor. Guests can also watch cooking demonstrations by The Chopping Block as well as Gourmet artisans.

Fine Art Gallery

Shopper’s looking for museum ready pieces can visit the Fine Art Gallery in the center of the show floor. The gallery will feature a curated exhibition of painting and sculpture featured at the

show.

CLICK HERE for a list of artists exhibiting at the One of a Kind Spring Show.

Schedule and Ticket Information

The One of a Kind Spring Show will take place April 29 from 11 a.m. –8 p.m., April 30 from 10a.m. –7 p.m. and May 1 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at The Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL. Tickets are $10 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Special ticket packages are also available. For tickets or more information, call (800) 677-MART (6278) or

visit http://oneofakindshowchicago.com. The 16th Annual One of a Kind Holiday Show will take place December 1-4, also at The Mart.  

About The Mart

The Mart is a division of Vornado Realty Trust, is a leading owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings, as well as trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together through market events, trade and consumer shows, and conferences each year. Weare committed to creating sustainable environments in the properties we manage and the communities we serve. Vornado Realty Trust, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real-estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

Change Mother's Day Shopping Guilt to Gilt!

They made you a mom and they likely made you a card...but for all you do for your children and all your own mom did for you, here's a short list of ideas from Gilt Group that say thank you, mom, with style and ease.   Show mom you love her with all your heart.




An important date is rapidly approaching, sending children of every age into a frenzy to find the perfect gift for the most important woman in their lives – mom!  Avoid the stress of last minute shopping for Mother’s Day celebrations by checking out the best gifts for mom available on Gilt Groupe and Gilt City Chicago– your number one destination for finding a list of special sales, sure to please even the pickiest of mothers.   An easy and convenient alternative, Gilt City curates exclusive deals at insider prices on the city’s best fashion, spas, nightlife, dining, fitness and more.  Last minute shopping is made easy with tons of choices and late shipping options.


 
For the New Mom
Every mother deserves a heartfelt gift, even if their journey into motherhood has just begun.  Put your newborn in an adorable “I Heart Mom” onesie, $48 from Hiho Batik so even the youngest child can show mom just how special she is.  A framed canvas by Image Canvas with a print of your little one for just $29, is a gift to remember for any new mom.

 
 
For the Mom that needs to Relax
Is your mom stressed?  Gilt has the perfect gift for the mom that needs a break! This week Gilt City and VALEO, Chicago’s premier wellness destination, have two pampering packages to accommodate your mom. Located in the JW Mariott Hotel, VELEO is the best spot in town to relax and rejuvenate.
Package A: The Perfect [Express] Gift
Retail: $162
Gilt Price: $75
-Includes two 30-minute experiences and one WellSpirit. Member may upgrade to have services downstairs at VALEO for $38 and will have access to steam, sauna, transition, hot lounge, pool, fitness, and whirlpool.
Choose two 30-minute experiences:
* WellSkin Facial
* WellPalms Manicure
* WellSoles Pedicure
* WellLocks Blowout (rinse and blow out)
* WellBody Massage (choice of: Shiatsu, Table Thai, and Chair)
* WellBronze Spray Tan
Choose one WellSpirit:
VALEO Expresso, Red Wine, White Wine, Beer
Package B: 90-Minutes of Wellness
Retail: $237
Gilt Price: $109
-Includes 90-minutes of Wellness at VALEO and one glass of champagne. Choose from services including: massage, waxing, facial, manicure, pedicure, or acupuncture.



 
For the Fashion Loving Mom
Dealing with a fashion obsessed mom?  Gilt.com is featuring the celebrity favorite snakeskin clutch.  In designs from Laura Merkin ($89) and Rebecca Minkoff ($395), brightly colored clutches are perfect for the season.  Wrap Mom in cashmere this spring with a bright, lightweight cashmere sweater from Mai or a White & Warren robe for only $99.  Luxurious and stylish, this gift with be greatly appreciated.  Give mom the gift that can’t go wrong, jewelry with a vintage pearl necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane for $248 or a fashionable Kendra Scott cuff for just $195.
 
 
For the Interior Designing Mom
For the mom who loves design, check out Missoni’s amazing home collection, complete with pillows, throws, bath towels and even candles.  Deck out a boring white couch with pillows ($200-$325) in the famous and always trendy zig zags and stripes to create a home worthy of your mom’s good taste.  Splurge on a Missoni chevron candle for $275 to add just the right amount of romance to Mother’s Day.









 
For the Floral Frenzy Mom
If your mom loves the classic bouquet of flowers, choose from 3 European arrangements that your mother will adore.  This week on Gilt City, Suzanne Cummings Flowers are imaginative, innovative, timeless, and ridiculously fresh. These packages include gorgeous hand-tied bouquets with a glass vase.  With Gilt’s special offers these arrangements range from $39 to $149. WOW your mom this Mothers Day with beautiful bouquets.
  

For a New Spin on a Classic
When you are sick of sending flowers, take floral gifts in a new direction with Gilt’s spin on the classic Mother’s Day present.  Colorful vases from Middle Kingdom ($25) add pop to any boring bouquet and last longer too.  Give a timeless botanical print from Wendover, framed to perfection for only $139.  For just $62, brighten up any room with a set of Safavieh floral throw pillows, sure to make mom smile.  For the mom who loves to garden, a stylish gardening tote ($175), great for holding supplies and making sure that flowers last through the summer.
 

 

For the Fun Photo Mom
Does your mom have a passion for photography? Get your mom a unique and exciting gift of digital photography lessons. This week, the Chicago Photography Center and Gilt City are offering Digital Photography Boot Camp.  Choose from 5 different classes, from basic to advance. The retail price of these classes is $225, but this week on Gilt City Chicago, you can snag this deal for only $98!
 
 
Still stumped?
Gilt City is offering books of every variety with affordable prices from $15-$85.  With topics from cooking to design to lifestyle, books are the ultimate personalized gift, perfect for every mom.