Brooklyn's Progress
May 2004

Brooklyn was the place to be April 30 to May 2 as the second edition of Brooklyn Designs broke all records – drawing more than 5,000 visitors to DUMBO. Presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the show featured 46 of Brooklyn’s most talented designers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories in two locations – St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Brooklyn Designs Gallery. Click here to view photos from the event.

According to Kenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “With over 5,000 people at the show this year, the attendance was way beyond our expectations.  You could feel the excitement as the crowds filled the aisles and spilled out onto the streets of DUMBO. Brooklyn Designs’ success is a testament to the borough’s exploding creative economy.”

In the words of one visitor, Katherine Cerullo, "Brooklyn Designs provided the perfect opportunity to see what's going on in studios all over the borough. Plus, the St. Ann's Warehouse and Brooklyn Designs Gallery really added to the artsy, hip feel of the event.”

Ruby Metzner of Hivemindesign said, “We were amazed at how much the Brooklyn Designs show had grown in just one year. Not only were there many new designers, but the press, trade and public traffic was at least twice that of last year.  There was such a diverse range of designers and craftsmen, I think this show is going to need more space.“

Tom Russo of Red Hook had this to say: “I was very impressed with the level of creativity I saw at the show. I’m very proud to know that all of those wonderful crafts and furnishings were made in Brooklyn.”

For many participants, Brooklyn Designs was an opportunity to launch their newest products for spring.  For some, it was their first trade-show ever.  Newcomers and “veterans” alike were eager to express their enthusiasm about the show. As Paul Galli of 54 Dean put it, "Brooklyn Designs was our first trade show and the experience couldn't have been better. The reception we received was phenomenal.  We are already looking forward to next year's show."

According to new exhibitor and Director of DESU Design David Scott, “I found Brooklyn Designs to be a very positive experience.  The show was exceptionally produced and generated a great deal of interest in our company.  I plan to double our space for next year.”

Scott Braun of Scott Braun Furniture added, “I felt like the people visiting my booth were there with a purpose. I made some solid business connections and met with people who are genuinely interested in my work.  This was the best show I’ve ever done.”

In addition to the high volume of foot traffic at the exhibits, the professional and consumer seminars were all well-attended. James Russell, Editor at Large of Architectural Record Magazine, moderated a lively panel entitled Brooklyn Waterfront Development – Re-Connecting with the Harbor with such design heavyweights as Matthew Urbanski, Max Bond and Tom Hanrahan.  Other program highlights included Enrique Norten, Michael Gabellini, Cindy Allen, a panel on sustainable design led by Susan Lyons and speakers from Expo Design Center, Dwell Magazine and Furniture NY.

For more information visit http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/ or contact Karen Auster at 718 875-1000 ext. 146.