About Traveling Wares

Before Traveling Wares became a reality, it was 1994, and was a school project of founder Jody Sweitzer to be held held at Dirty Frank’s bar located at 13th and Pine streets. Jody had a simple plan, to find a place for artists to sell their work. Located near the University of the Arts College, then known as Philadelphia College of Art (PCA), that show allowed students, friends, and  bar patrons the opportunity to buy unique, hand-crafted items from local artists.
After that successful project, Jody and three of her friends; Nicolette, Kim, and Susan decided to give the project a name and Eureka, Traveling Wares was born. Two locations were chosen for those first shows The Latest Dish and Lucy’s Hat shop, which also were successful. Eventually, Sugar Mom’s and Tattood Mom’s were added to the line-up, and they still are two of our most popular shows for both venders and shoppers alike.

By showcasing at local taverns and bars such as Sugar Mom’s and Tattooed Mom’s, and the 700 Club, we have provided the perfect atmosphere that has allowed Traveling Wares to continue providing a less expensive setting for the city’s “up and coming” artists and crafters to sell their wares. Now as the group has reached its 15th year, the Traveling Wares family has expanded to almost 30 venders with a new mixed bag of goods that includes kids clothing, illustrations and home goods while still keeping up with the customer favorites such as jewelry, ceramics and accessories. We are proud to feature such artist as mural artist/ceramic designer Mike Smash and Lisa Bevilacqua of QT Designs, who was recently featured in the “Notorious” movie with one of her beautiful leather goods worn by Antonique Smith. We also continue to expand to extend our show market to include additonal times of the year, like our exciting 2008 summer show @ the Memphis Taproom.

“swollen with pride”
We still continue to feature one of our founders, visual artist/ jewelry designer Jody Sweitzer, who continues to create her beautiful rings and assorted jewelry designs for all to enjoy.

As always we would like to extend our thanks to all of venders and venues for thier continued support and interest.

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Show Producer: Heather Femine

Website Design and Production: Samantha & Skylure Templeton