AmericasMart Atlanta marks the summer edition of The Atlanta International Area Rug Market, held July 9 to 12, with new and expanded showrooms, updated buyer amenities and design-driven educational programming, according to show officials.
The integration of the Home and Rug collections in AmericasMart Building 1 continues to inspire growth on Floors 3 through 6. Updates to Floor 3 of the design center will include new showroom Neman International and expanded space for Pasargad Carpets and a complete renovation for Kaleen. Floor 6 will feature a new showroom for returning collection Rizzy Home, an expansion from Couristan and the new Market Club.
Designed by Atlanta-based interior designer Kerry Howard, the new Market Club will feature furniture and accessories sourced from throughout AmericasMart. Howard’s design will incorporate pieces from Loloi, Four Hands, Leftbank Art, Surya, Lee Industries, Up Country Home, Noir, jdouglas, Control Brand, Bernhardt Furniture, Charles Ray & Associates, Global Views, Studio A, Regina Andrew Designs, Emissary and Arteriors. The Market Club is open during January and July Markets. Membership is extended to buying companies that attend five markets over a five year period. While in the lounge, members enjoy complimentary refreshments, internet connectivity and other business services.
“It is a very exciting time on the Home and Rug floors,” said Kevin Malkiewicz, vice president of Leasing for Home and Rug. “Exhibitors across the collection are showcasing their passion for their companies through continuous investments in their spaces and product. We are all very much looking forward to welcoming AmericasMart’s premier buyers to the floors.”
The Market’s signature educational programming appeals to seasoned rug experts and new buyers alike. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn will lead a seminar called “What Is That Designer Doing With That Rug?” about innovative, outside-of-the-box ways to use rugs. AmericasMart again offers programming in partnership with the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA).
Phil Menedian, director of education for ORRA Programming, will moderate a discussion of numerous pieces in “Knot to be Missed,” review current appraisal techniques in “Enhancing Your Rug Appraising,” and lead a tour of AmericasMart’s four-floor rug marketplace in “Walking the Marketplace.”
Rug buyers also have the opportunity to sit for the CRA Examination, moderated by Menendian and ORRA Education Committee members. The exam will be in two parts: written and identification. Examinees will be tested on historical and technical knowledge of hand-knotted rugs as well as proper identification of 35 Oriental rugs by sight.
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