20th CENTURY CINCINNATI: ON THE MODERN AIR, Feb. 26th & 27th

Is it any wonder that famous interior designers fly in... SHOP, then fly out Cincinnati the same day?  They vintage power shop like rock stars, except without a Martha Stewart caravan in tow.

But for those of use who are not jetsetters, Cincinnati is a very cool experience. It’s a foodie/beer drinkin' town, so the restaurants are both creative and reasonable. Cooler still?  Cincinnati's shockingly progressive arts community, holding tight to its own Soho-type vibe.

So it really should be no surprise that the locals supports this once-a-year event like it’s a run at the bank.   And it’s a really GOOD bank.

Producer Bruce Metzger is that rare breed of hard working genius, which is exactly what it has taken to build this local modern show to it's fanatical base amongst dealers and collectors.   If you’ve attended only once, then you’re probably been keeping this secret to yourself.  If, however, this is the first you’ve heard of it…. well, point made.   So let us pull back the curtain to reveal a truth.  

 20^th Century Cincinnati is the Best Mini-Modern Show in America.   Period.  Eames Exclamation Point.

Selection. A 95% focus on 20^th Century Modern Design.  An amazing amount of furniture considering this is a smaller show, but the booths are large and you’ve got 50 Modern Dealers to deal with.   Pace yourself.    Don’t be a hero in Aisle One.  

Price.   No one is giving anything away, NOR SHOULD THEY!  This is a vetted show that sells quality. But to folks from the coasts, this show must feel like the final 1/2 price day at William Randolph Heart’s Estate Sale.  I have heard customers say:  “Shouldn’t there be a ONE in front of that price?”   Yes, Chicago is more expensive, but most of the Midwest is a bargain.  Dealers from around the country and across the world know this.  Yes, the Euro sucks, but that hasn't stopped the tourists from buying.  America today must look liked a tasty, virgin chicken just waiting to get plucked. Financially speaking, of course.

Convenience & Travel Affordability.  Held in the very comfortable Sharonville Convention Center, it is surrounded by many affordable hotels hotels.   My personal pick is: THE LIVINN (11385 Chester Rd.), right next door @ $59.00 w/continental breakfast.   513-771-7829

20th Century Cincinnati will feature a Special Exhibition from THE AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM COLLECTION which will open in its permanent home later in the year.

My Two Cents:  Only one person buys an item; only one person wins.  If only one person can win, then make a fair offer and buy the damn thing.  Buyer’s remorse lives as "unhappily ever after" in the things that one doesn't buy, not just in the things that one did.

EPILOGUE:  In the spirit of transparency, BAM (www.bamchicago.com) will be exhibiting at 20th Century Cincinnati, as we have for over a decade.

20^th CENTURY CINCINNATI, February 26th & 27^th, 2011

Visit www.20thcenturycincinnati.com for more info or call 513-738-7256.

D.A.

Copyright WDMS 2011