The 23rd unique Christmas show is now open at Merchandise Mart

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWS RADIO) – Hundreds of artists and makers are hitting the Merchandise Mart this weekend for another edition of a beloved holiday tradition.

Hardwood Music Company’s Joah Thiele is one of more than 600 artists at the 23rd annual One of a Kind Holiday Show.

“I’ve been going to shows with my dad since I was a little kid, so I’ve been around it my whole life,” Thiele tells WBBM.

He said this is his first unique show.

“This year is bittersweet,” adds Thiele. “We found out that my dad needs to have open heart surgery. This year I get to do “One of a Kind” for the first time, and without him. This is me I’m doing it alone, but it’s funny, I’ve already met people who have seen it in the last four or five years and I love that connection.

These personal stories create something unique, according to Kathleen Hogan, executive director of the show.

“It’s a great opportunity to really talk to the artists and learn more about the process and production, and it’s really a great story to tell when 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 decor, clothing, ceramics and 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 following the loss of her mother, father and brother over the past three years.

“They were 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 experiences with others through her art.

“This is personal to me and it is personal to my own beliefs,” Abudllah says. “I’m excited to see how the public from different backgrounds will relate to it.”

The One of a Kind Show runs until the end of the weekend.

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