Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2005

The countdown is on for Brooklyn Designs™ 2005.   Presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Designs™ 2005 promises to break 2004’s impressive records with expanded exhibitor space and all-new programming that includes hands-on demonstrations and inspiring speakers.  The show will return to St. Ann’s Warehouse (38 Water St.) and the Brooklyn Designs™ Gallery (37 Main St.), which thanks to a recent renovation, is close to double in size. 

“We are very proud to see that Brooklyn Designs™ is flourishing.  With new sponsors and exhibitors joining the team, a newly expanded exhibit space and an informative series of panels and discussions, the show is truly a testament to the important role Brooklyn plays within the design community.  And this year, thanks to the early registration information, we know that Brooklyn Designs™ has not only made its mark on the borough, it has been having an impact across the region.  We’ve been receiving calls and requests from New York City and beyond,” said Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.        

The list of juried exhibitors includes a mix of new and returning designers. According to newcomer, John McDevitt of McDevitt Metal Smithing, "It will be a pleasure to participate in Brooklyn Designs™ 2005 alongside several designer/craftspeople I have known and respected for years. To me the show is a three-day representation of a longstanding community of the best Brooklyn-based furniture makers."

Other new faces include: Here There Designs, innovative lighting pieces that are 100 percent recyclable; Wüd Furniture Design, one-of-a-kind custom wood furnishings; artist, custom textile and rug designer Amy Helfand; and Oso Industries, unique, contemporary furnishings merging traditional materials with concrete. 

Pratt Institute, a new association sponsor for the show, will once again put together a group exhibit of some of the most innovative new student work from the Pratt industrial design department.

In addition to the exhibits, the show organizers will present a series of informative seminars and panel discussions on design that will be free for all attendees. Highlights of the program include an enlightening lecture by design industry expert and editor in chief of Metropolis, Susan Szenasy.  She will explore great breakthrough design ideas from Brooklyn and beyond.  Tom Otterness, world-renowned sculptor, will discuss his work on international public art projects including his Broadway Project for the New York Transit System.

For those trying to get a handle on the growing number of hip, design stores located around the borough, interior designer Chris Kraig will present an insider’s guide that will reveal all of his sources.  Also on the program are several timely design panel discussions including a Furniture New York session on Commissioning Custom Work, Dwell’s thought-provoking The Big Apple goes Design-Build and “What’s Modern Now” as seen by Metropolitan Home magazine.

The program even includes inspiring tastings and demonstrations at the Bosch, Thermador, Gaggeneau DUMBO showroom.  Katy Sparks, Culinary Director of Balducci’s will participate in a special Mother’s Day event co-sponsored by Time Out New York Kids.  Sparks will share some of her trade secrets while Time Out staff keeps kids busy with special crafts.

Show hours have been set for Fri., May 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., May 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sun., May 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.

Brooklyn Designs™ is sponsored by: Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Two Trees Management, ABC Carpet & Home, Corcoran Group Brooklyn, Con Edison, Brooklyn Brewery, Time Out New York Kids and Interior Design.  Additional support is provided by the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly in cooperation with NYS Empire State Development Corporation, the Brooklyn City Council Delegation and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. For more information visit http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/ or contact auster*events at 718-243-1414.