In This Issue
What’s the story? This issue of NYNow, published by the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), goes right to the source… of inspiration.

TREND REPORT: INSPIRED ARTISANRY
Artistic inspiration can be found anywhere: in nature, in our memories, in emotion. Where there’s inspiration, there’s a back story. A product with a story to tell resonates with consumers. Savvy retailers know to promote provenance to boost sales and sidestep economic slide.

Is the recession stifling or fueling artistic creativity? History shows us that adversity inspires innovation. Artists are already used to facing misfortune with creativity, and doing more with less. Some designers are seeking comfort in the classic designs of the past, with updated and unique twists. This trend applies to everything from fashion (the “hot” new color, Depression-era grey) to fonts (“Slinktype” letters which look like Slinky toys).

Still others are responding to a time of “less” with designs dictating “more.” More is the new less, imbued with passion and vitality.

uvase
by Caleb Siemon

Bracelet
by Made From Coins

Shramik Huge Totes
by Aid to Artisans

Small Orange in Big Apple earrings
by Prudence Cheah

World Cushion Covers
by Handmade Expressions

Global Unity Bracelet
by GeoArt by Cynthia Gale

RETAIL SCOOP: ART ON YOUR SLEEVE
Clothing as art? Julie Schafler Dale blends the two (oh-so-stylishy!) at Julie:Artisans’ Gallery, the birthplace of the “art to wear” movement. Opened in 1973, it was the first gallery devoted to handmade clothing as an art form, representing textile artists working in techniques such as silk painting, shibori resist dying, textural knitting, crochet and weaving. Studio jewelers work with traditional mediums of gold, silver and gemstones as well as avant-garde materials like found objects, plastic, paper and rubber. Artisans from over 15 countries are represented through their wearable art, which elevates the common sweater, scarf and tote. 762 Madison Avenue. (212) 717-5959. www.julieartisans.com

Taste It
Artisan Cheese Plate Is this Paris or Manhattan? It’s hard to tell at the Artisanal Fromagerie, Bistro & Wine Bar, a bustling Art Deco bistro where a selection of 250 hand-crafted cheeses from around the world are ripened and aged to perfection in the “cheese cave.” Chef Terrance Brennan takes his cues from sophisticated French specialties, such as duck confit, steak au poivre, and snails en croûte, with a focus on sustainable and organic ingredients. For those who are prêt a manger, make your to-go purchase at the on-premise cheese shop. 2 Park Avenue.
(212) 725-8585. www.artisanalbistro.com

Watch It
“Youth and ignorance” inspired the creation of the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), North America’s largest multi-arts festival. Now in its 13th year, the event takes place for 16 days, August 14-30, in over 20 downtown venues. More than 200 emerging theater companies and performing artists from all over the world will bring their passion for performance to the local stage. For the “who, what, when and where” on such shows as Notes on the Land of Earthquake & Fire, Tales From the Tunnel, and The Magnificent Passion of the Home Shopping Hostess, check out www.fringenyc.org.

See It
Taking an inspired view of the history of New York – via its ecological origin – the Museum of the City of New York is offering the exhibition “Mannahatta/Manhattan: A Natural History of New York City” through October 13th. In collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the cutting edge multi-media presentation reveals the island of “Mannahatta,” or “island of many hills,” at the time of Henry Hudson’s arrival. This green new world – lush with old growth forests, stately wetlands, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife – would invite commerce and habitation, and become one of the greatest cities on Earth. 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street.
(212) 534-1672. www.mcny.org

NY MARKET: ON THE TOWN AT MOMA

Visit the world’s foremost modern art museum - The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - during the Summer 2009 celebration of Accent on Design’s 25th anniversary. Admission is free the entire Market Week with a summer 2009 badge, compliments of NYIGF, 7 West New York, 41 Madison and 230 Fifth Avenue.

The current exhibition, “Rough Cut: Design Takes a Sharp Edge,” presents a selection of bold designs, from striking posters to fierce chairs. Also back on view: Salvador Dalí's The Persistence of Memory and Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night. 11 West 53rd Street. (212) 708-9400. Closed Tuesdays. www.moma.org

The New York International Gift Fair® is owned and managed by GLM®, a dmg world media business.
Register to attend, or apply to exhibit, at www.nyigf.com.