WHITE PLAINS, NY — The demand for textile surface art is increasing as the industry has stabilized in the face of unprecedented change in the last decade according to Penny Sikalis, vice president, GLM, the owner of Surtex, May 20-22, its 26th running.

Penny Sikalis, vice president, GLM

“This is the largest surface design show in the USA today with an increasing attendance from Asian buyers who also recognize the need for more original designs in their domestic markets,” she added. Of course, Americans need more original designs for their offshore operations in Asia. Sikalis said that many more Asian suppliers are attending Surtex this year together with their American customers. “Asian markets are growing and the fabric producer has an appetite for Western design. That’s why they are in attendance at Surtex more and more.”

The Surtex exhibition will feature 300 exhibitors in 30,000 square feet at Javits Convention Center in New York this year. Surtex is growing again, she said. “There are 1,000 artists represented directly or through agents. The stands are turn-key and sell for $4,400.00 complete. “Our exhibitors tell us it just pays to be at Surtex,” the 20 year plus veteran of the textiles industry said.

In addition to upholstery and decorative fabric designs, Surtex offers designs for wallcovering, floor covering, linens, tabletop, and even housewares—wherever surface design is needed. There is also a growing interest in designs for the hospitality trade, she pointed out, which is attractive to hospitality designers who visit Surtex.