Mr. Trace Mayer, our good friend, antiques colleague, and one of Louisville, Kentucky’s first citizens, pulled himself away from the punchbowl during derby weekend long enough to give us some idea of the art and antiques show at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago that ran at the same time as the Los Angeles Antiques Show. Herewith Trace’s remarks:
The Merchandise Mart Properties in Chicago may have stumbled on a really sensational business. Hosted in the historic building in Chicago’s Loop, The Mart hosts 5 fairs which run simultaneously on three floors. It is staggering to behold the amount of merchandise and the organizational effort necessary to pull off this event. Four of the five fairs are focused on contemporary and modern art. The fifth show, and arguably the odd man out is the antique show- for which I have now exhibited for the third consecutive year. 135 antique dealers filled half of the eighth floor. The breadth and quality of items offered was quite nice, and for the most part approachable. The only thing lacking this year was enough people with the rare combination of timing, interest, and funds to make the floor a lively place filled with happy dealers. Not enough interior designers were present to drive this process. For the regular spectator who hasn’t been in training to visually process thousands of items with a critical eye, it is truly overwhelming. It takes a Herculean effort to see everything exhibited in a day- and then, it is hard to believe that one might be able to return to find that one item they truly might wish to acquire. For that reason it is a sensational show for the visitor- but unfortunately this year at the expense of many of the dealers. Hopefully the show will continue to work to find a balance so they can keep the quality of merchandise offered at a level that won’t require having to make any sacrifices in the years that come.
Best,
Trace Mayer
It appears that biggest is not necessarily the best. While attendance and buyer selection is important, clearly choice and size can at some point overwhelm even savvy art and antiques buyers. As well, designer attendance anymore is crucial to a show’s success. 
The Mart does a fantastic job of promotion, but it appears the show just completed was too much of a good thing. With all that, I’m sure Trace Mayer, as do we, look forward to the smaller October antiques show at The Mart.