Retailer Parker Furniture To Host "North Carolina to Parker Market Show"

Furniture World Magazine

Parker Furniture announced that they will be hosting a star-studded lineup of guest speakers, educational seminars, and industry leaders for their 7th Annual North Carolina to Parker Market Show. The popular event draws interior design professionals and home furnishings enthusiasts from across the region and attracts nationwide attention from leading players in the fine furnishings industry. The event will occur on Thursday, May 25th, from 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. A world premier of sorts, the North Carolina to Parker Market Show will feature the unveilings of celebrated high-end manufacturers from North Carolina and other hubs of fine furniture production. “The new lines will be delivered directly from the east coast to the Parker Furniture showroom,” said Lori Gilbert, Sales Manager at Parker Furniture. “Attendees will be the first to lay eyes on the latest, greatest work of America’s finest producers of interior furnishings,” she added. “This is a unique event of national caliber. We are providing the Northwest with a direct connection to the exquisite quality and craftsmanship of celebrated east coast manufacturers, and we invite the public to join us,” Gilbert said. The Parker Furniture event is unique in that it is open to professional designers, interior design students, and the general public. Furthermore, admission, speaking events, and seminars are free of charge. “The Market Show began as an effort to bring vendors, designers, and the public together so that dialogues and ideas could be exchanged in an enjoyable and engaging environment,” said Barbara Baldwin, who manages the interior designer liaison program at Parker Furniture. “The show has doubled in popularity each year, and we sense that this year’s event will set an exciting new precedent,” Baldwin added. The Market Show will feature numerous educational events, including seminars and special guest speakers. “Guests can indulge their interests in anything from color trends for the contemporary home to the timeless tradition of handcrafted furniture,” said Gilbert. “We encourage professionals, beginners, and home décor hobbyists alike to embrace this opportunity to expand their knowledge and to have some fun,” Gilbert added. This year’s guest speakers are of national acclaim, bringing matchless expertise in fascinating arenas for the enjoyment and enrichment of the Portland community and beyond. Color specialist, Leatrice Eiseman, is recognized worldwide for her remarkable work with color and how it affects business, fashion, purchasing decisions, home environments, and other facets of our lives. Referred to as "America’s color guru," Eiseman is Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute and is the author of five books on the subject. Her talent and insights have been tapped by numerous national publications including Elle Decor, Home Magazine, House and Garden, Harper's Bazaar, Allure, Glamour, Vogue, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Eiseman has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, HGTV, and the Discovery Channel and had been interviewed on radio stations around the world. Currently based in Seattle, Eiseman travels extensively, sharing insights with audiences worldwide. Mike Danial, Stickley Furniture expert and Corporate Historian, will be the next headlining speaker, offering fascinating facts about a continuing legacy in American craftsmanship. With over 30 years of experience at Stickley, Danial is celebrated for his enthusiastic and compelling accounts of the company’s history, processes, and people. Danial will also introduce Market Show attendees to current Stickley projects, such as the launch of the Pasadena Bungalow line. In between his travels and lectures around the U.S., Danial oversees the Stickley Museum in Fayetteville, New York. He is recognized as an avid champion of America’s Arts and Crafts Movement. Randy Moore, Master Craftsman of Hancock & Moore, will present a Build-a-Chair seminar. Guests will have the unique opportunity to watch a master craftsman at work as Moore transforms a frame and fine leather into a fully upholstered chair. Randy Moore developed a refined sense of skill, craftsmanship, and tradition of from his father, Jimmy Moore, co-founder of Hancock & Moore. Hancock & Moore produces fine furniture handcrafted in the North Carolina tradition that has been passed down for generations. Market Show speaking events and seminars are free of charge, but visitors should pre-register due to limited seating and high demand. RSVP 503.644.0155. Parker Furniture is located in Beaverton, Oregon, at 10375 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. In order to accommodate high volumes of Market Show visitors, a limousine shuttle will carry guests from a nearby parking facility to the store. Founded in 1952, Parker Furniture is recognized as one of the top fine furnishings galleries in the nation. Headquartered in Beaverton, the 80,000 square foot store spans two acres and houses an incomparable assortment of inventory. In addition to an eclectic array of furniture, Parker Furniture carries textiles, Karastan® rugs, and interior accessories. Offering professional service in the showroom and in the home, the Parker Furniture staff includes a team of accomplished interior designers for complete furnishing assistance. After decades of expanding selection and services, Parker Furniture remains a family-owned and operated business renowned for high standards of quality and a sincere commitment to customers.