We had a wonderful time networking, sharing and being inspired by artisans in NYC through the WITHIT organization. It stands for ‘Woman in the Home Furnishing Industry Today’. Woman supporting each other, networking, learning together and lifting each other up to become the best at what we do.
It was 3 days of non-stop showrooms and artist studio tours to nourish the soul and refresh the creative spirit in all 25 participants.
We started off the Tour with an inspirational trip to the Kips Bay Show House. The highlight being the bright colored, graphic staircase! We visited the Tiziano Zorzan Atelier. The Italian fashion designer presented his Spring collection of customized Italian styled pieces and accessories at his store front on Bleeker Street.
The tour continued to the beautiful new location of the Whitney Museum of American Art on the West Side with its breathtaking views of the city. We enjoyed the featured exhibit of artist Grant Wood’s work at the museum. It was a thrill to see his most famous work, American Gothic, and beautiful to view his other works as well.
We all got back in touch with our inner child at the Gazillion Bubble Show. It was amazing to see bubbles so large that volunteers found themselves INSIDE huge bubbles, accompanied by a laser light show and bright colors.
Studio and showroom tours included jewelry from around the world at the Charon Kransen Trunk show, Ercole Home on 26th street where owner Ornella Pisano showed us her special furniture pieces utilizing glass, wood and metal as decoration and guest speaker, Interior Designer Sara Bengur discussed ‘Wellness & Design’.
We were then fascinated by the artistry at Mixed Up Mosaics on Washington St. We saw first hand how large-scale murals were precisely created by cutting and placing individual glass pieces to create unbelievable pieces of unique artwork.
Principal of Carpenter & Company, Patti Carpenter was the guest speaker at Libby Langdon’s Design Studio, presenting her Color and Trend Forecasting to our WITHIT group.
Our last day ended with a fun trip to Dersh Feather & Trading, a 90 year old company providing quality feathers to major fashion and costume designers, and a wonderful DIY Pom Pom and Tassel making session instructed by Neon Tea Party at the American Silk showroom.
It was an inspirational few days with some great leaders in the industry!
