Cincinnati: The 20th Century Cincinnati Vintage Modern Expo marks its 30th anniversary this weekend, featuring over 70 vendors showcasing modernist furniture, art, and collectibles at the Sharonville Convention Center. The event includes special exhibits and aims to support young artists through a partnership with the Sean Kingston Foundation.
The 20th Century Cincinnati Vintage Modern Expo, a prominent Mid-century showcase in the Midwest, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary this weekend, from February 21 to 23. More than 70 vendors from across the nation will convene at the Sharonville Convention Center, which spans 40,000 square feet, to display and sell a diverse range of vintage modern goods.
Since its establishment in the mid-1990s, the Vintage Modern Expo has evolved into a highly anticipated three-day event, drawing sellers from various parts of the United States. The expo is renowned for showcasing modernist furniture, artwork, and stylish décor, with exhibitors presenting an extensive assortment of decorative objects, housewares, pop culture collectibles, and vintage fashion. These items cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets, united by a common theme of vintage modern design that weaves together pioneering art, architecture, and fashion from the early 20th century with contemporary elements.
The event has been under the stewardship of sisters Jenni and Jess Button for the past three years, following the transition of ownership from founder Bruce Metzger. Under their management, attendance has doubled at the past two expos, a testament to their expertise in art and event planning. “It’s really grown to be a show,” said Jenni Button in an interview with Cincinnati Magazine. “It’s always been a show where we see interest throughout all the generations, which is cool.”
Jenni Button, who spent over a decade working in art galleries in Chicago, shared her personal affinity for modern vintage items, noting their streamlined designs and versatility across various styles. “I think one of the things I love about it is truly the timelessness of it,” she explained, reflecting on the sustained value of high-quality vintage pieces.
As part of the 30th-anniversary celebrations, attendees can expect special events and tributes, including a featured exhibit that highlights the history of the Vintage Modern Expo alongside Cincinnati’s own rich Mid-Century Modern heritage. A 1968 Moto Guzzi V700 motorcycle, courtesy of Cincinnati’s Cadre Cycle, will also be on display.
This year’s expo has formed a collaboration with the Sean Kingston Foundation, focusing on supporting young artists through mental health initiatives, as pointed out by Jess Button.
Among the exhibitors participating in this year’s event are Architectural Anarchy, a Chicago-based establishment specialising in home furnishings and art; GlitterNGold Vintage, which offers a curated collection of vintage designer clothing from New Paris, Ohio; and Lydia Lewis, a vintage costume jewellery dealer who was able to secure a spot as a last-minute replacement exhibitor for the 2021 Expo.
Looking ahead, the Button sisters indicated that they will remain committed to their marketing strategies, aiming to increase awareness of the event: “Spreading the word and making sure everybody knows about this,” said Jenni. When discussing the direction of the expo for future milestones, such as the 40th and 50th anniversaries, they teased, “You’ll have to keep coming back to find out.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
