Merchandise Mart green
Originally uploaded by jolyn27.
I managed to score some free tickets to a fun expo at The Merchandise Mart in Downtown Chicago today and so Lexie and I went along to check it out.
"The One of a Kind Show and Sale" is a three-day bonanza of handmade gifts and treasures from emerging and established artists from across the US. Even though the Mart is a huuuuuge place (the photo only gives you some idea), I was overwhelmed by the number of people that had come along to the fair. And doubly overwhelmed by the sheer diversity of the arts and crafts on offer.
Some of it was beautiful, some of it was crap, but all of it was impressive because it was made by hand and the artists were there talking about it and showing it off. Fabulous.
The Merchandise Mart was built in the 1920s and is still owned by the Kennedy family. In fact, one of the Kennedys still lives in the penthouse apartment - fancy, eh? The sheer scale of this whole place is pretty amazing and this night time photo is the best time to see the facade. During the day it's a little bland. Still big of course, but bland. But inside, it's a treasure trove of art gallery offices, stores, and a food court to die for!
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