CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Hundreds of artists and makers are taking over the Merchandise Mart this weekend for another edition of a beloved holiday tradition.
Joah Thiele of Hardwood Music Company is one of more than 600 artists at the 23rd annual One of a Kind Holiday Show.
"I've been at shows since I was a toddler with my dad, so I've been around it my whole life,” Thiele tells WBBM.
He said this is his first One of a Kind Show.
"This year is bittersweet,” adds Thiele. “We found out my dad has to go in for open heart surgery. This year, first time, I'm getting to do One of a Kind, and it's without him. I'm doing it on my own, but it's funny, I've already run into people that have seen him over the last four or five years, and I love that connection."
Those personal stories are what the show's Managing Director Kathleen Hogan says makes one of a kind stand out.
"It's a great chance to really talk to the artists and learn about the process and the production, and it really makes, actually, for a great story to tell when you're giving one of the gifts during the holidays,” says Hogan.
Hogan says you can find pretty much anything you're looking for.
"We have a lot of gourmet food, candles and home décor, apparel, ceramics and fine art, everything in between,” Hogan says.
Some of the artists come from different states and countries, but most are based in the Chicago area, like artist Linda Abdullah. Her work is inspired by her grieving process after losing her mom, her dad and her brother within the past three years.
"It was dark and hard days that I experienced, and I just needed that color, and I had to dig deep to find it,” Abdullah says.
She says the One of a Kind Show allows her to share her experience with others through her art.
"This is personal to me, and it's personal to my own beliefs,” says Abudllah. “I'm curious how the public who comes from different backgrounds will connect to it."
The One of a Kind Show runs through the end of the weekend.
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