Philadelphia Invitational set for March

The third annual Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show is scheduled for March 27-29 at the Philadelphia Cruise Ship Terminal. The show will feature a limited group of furniture and furnishings artisans selected by jury to show their work and meet with present and prospective clients. Director Josh Markel expects a turnout of about 65 exhibitors and approximately 2,500 attendees, and encourages artisans to exhibit in the economic downturn.

This year, the show’s gala fund-raiser will focus on the Philadelphia area’s central role in creating designer/craftsman-made furniture as an art form. Mark Sfirri, a turner and lecturer at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pa., will be giving an illustrated talk, and Bob Aibel of Moderne Gallery will be curating a special exhibition featuring the work of George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick, Dan Jackson and other pioneers in the field. Mira Nakashima and Bob Aible will add their comments. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Wharton Esherick Museum, the WoodTurning Center and the Legacy Fund of the University of the Arts Wood Program.

In addition, Philadelphia’s University of the Arts is bringing back a feature from previous years — an exhibition of high school work — in order to address the future of the industry.

For information, visit www.pffshow.com.