Expo displays state of the arts // Unique items for home are among highlights of annual craft show

American Craft Exposition10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.SundayHenry Crown Sports Pavilion, Lincoln Street at the lakefront justeast of Sheridan Road, EvanstonAdmission, $10(847) 570-5096cq

Whether you're a serious shopper or a leisurely browser, theclassy American Craft Exposition is the place to be this weekend forunique handcrafted items for the home.

The American Craft Exposition began 13 years ago as a benefitfor Evanston and Glenbrook hospitals. It has become one of thelargest and most significant professional expositions of its kind inthe country - a tribute to the crafts movement as art, not as hobby.The exhibition, which also features handmade clothing andjewelry, opens to the public Friday at Northwestern University'sHenry Crown Sports Pavilion in Evanston.The show has a wide price range and something for everyone, frombudding craft collectors to big-spending aficionados. It willfeature 139 American artisans showing handmade objects in wood, clay,paper, fiber, porcelain, glass, metal and various mixed media.On display will be the antiques of the future, but each also isa functional piece of artwork. Furniture designs include sleekchairs, tables and chests with clean lines and unusual mixtures ofexotic woods. Decorative items range from Thomas Mann's charmingmetal bookmarks ($25) to Dee Ann Segula's eye-catching mirrors ($375)to Billie Ruth Sudduth's elaborately woven baskets ($1,000).Unlike other art shows, the expo requires artists be present toshow their work. Through conversation, the creative process comes tolife.As show chairwoman Pat Frey explains, "What's unusual is thatpeople can come to the show and meet and talk to the artists, and ifthey like, they can commission work from the artist."For the third year, Michael and Maureen Banner's creations areone of the show's highlights. Their exquisite tea sets are soughtafter by art museums (the Art Institute of Chicago has one) andcollectors.The Massachusetts-based Banners sell their wares exclusively atthe seven craft shows they attend each year. They especially enjoythe Evanston show. "It's fun talking to people and getting theirviews on our work," said Michael Banner, a silversmith. "The showbecomes another source of inspiration for us."