If you’ve never been to the upcoming spring One of a Kind Show in Chicago… just know this: it’s not a quick pop-in kind of event. It’s a wander, discover, fall-in-love-with-something-you-didn’t-know-you-needed kind of day.
With hundreds of artists across everything from painting to jewelry to fashion, it can feel overwhelming (in the best way). So I wanted to share must-see makers I personally recommend seeking out – artists whose work, craftsmanship, and point of view really stand out.
Think of this as your treasure map 💛
Show dates: April 24-26, get tickets.
🎨 For the art lovers
Erica Mills – Booth 5097
Canadian artist Erica Mills is a powerful voice in whimsical, joy-driven abstraction, and I’m fortunate to have multiple works of hers in my personal collection. I always look forward to seeing not only her magical work, but also what she’s wearing. Her sense of style is so playful, bold, and completely her own. I genuinely love everything about this artist and woman. I’m thrilled that will be booth neighbors, so come visit me and her in one go!
Streeterval Art – Booth 1125
If your style leans a little more graphic, modern and bold, don’t skip this one. Val is also such a lovely human to connect with—she’s originally from Dijon, France, and now lives in downtown Chicago near Lake Michigan in Streeterville. Streeterval Art feels like a true blend of those two worlds; it’s urban, colorful, energetic, and full of movement.
Alyson Lyon Art – Booth 2061
If I had to sum up Alyson Lyon and her work in one word, it would be thoughtful. Her work especially resonates if you’re drawn to art with a graphic edge.
She moves seamlessly between drawing, painting, and collage, blending abstract and figurative elements. One of the most meaningful aspects is her use of torn pages from her daily journals—a subtle, beautiful act of letting go.
I gifted my husband one of her pieces last year for his birthday—the linework immediately reminded me of his tattoo art, which made it feel even more personal.
Amalia Penny – Booth E27
What this woman does with watercolors is pure magic. An emerging artist at the show (which is always exciting). Amalia Penny's work feels fresh and evolving—perfect if you love discovering artists early.
Pam Hamilton Art – Booth 3097
An absolute must if you’re drawn to expressive, painterly work. Pam Hamilton's work centers on women who hold space with quiet authority. Her figures feel grounded and timeless, exploring strength and femininity as intertwined forces of grace and confidence. I love my mini piece I acquired last year from her!
Her layered process – using gesso, graphite, mediums, and acrylic—builds veiled narratives that hold personal history beneath the surface.
Abstracted faces invite interpretation, making space for the viewer’s own story to emerge. Her work ultimately celebrates the complexity, resilience, and evolution of the female spirit.
Lizzie Selle – Booth 5102
Okay, yes… a little shameless self-promotion here, but I’d be remiss not to include my own booth!
My work is all about choosing joy—layered, expressive, and full of movement, with color and texture that truly shift the energy of a space. These are pieces meant to be lived with and loved over time. You’ll find a wide range of work, from original paintings on canvas to works on paper in vintage and custom frames, along with prints, miniature easel paintings, journals, and more.
Chris, my husband, and I will both be there, ready and genuinely excited to connect with you 💛 And I’ll be hosting a giveaway for a $350 original artwork—so definitely don’t miss that.
Jennifer Jayne — Booth 3111
I carry Jennifer Jayne’s joyful work in my studio and I’m so proud to celebrate her debut at the One of a Kind Show.
A former photographer of 13 years, her creative roots began in colorful, story-driven newborn portraits—an eye for composition and imagination that now lives on in her painting practice. She paints in the early morning hours, often before the world wakes, chasing light through color.
Her signature pink underpaintings and visible brushstrokes are reminders that joy comes not from perfection, but persistence. Her work is created to bring simple happiness into a space—an immediate sense of warmth, color, and connection.
Kathleen Rietz – Booth 1085
Kathleen Rietz is an artist I haven’t met yet, but I am so excited to experience her work in person. Her mixed media paintings – often inspired by florals and the natural world, feel deeply intuitive and expressive, capturing fleeting moments of light, color, and sensation.
Her work reads almost like a visual memoir of the Midwest landscape, translating emotion and seasonality onto the canvas in a way that feels both personal and expansive. I have a feeling this will be one of those booths you walk into and don’t want to leave.
💫 Jewelry you’ll wear on repeat
Fall From Grace Jewelry — Booth 2073
Statement-making, but incredibly wearable. These are the pieces that finish an outfit without trying too hard. I’m personally obsessed with the Tila bracelets and wear mine almost daily since I purchased last year – the flat beads are really unique and make it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. I already have my eye on some additional pieces and hopefully bringing this line to Lizzie Selle Studio ;)
Rach B Jewelry — Booth 2062
Rach B Jewelry is an independent, feminine, casually luxe line designed and handcrafted by the artist since 2007. Each piece is created start to finish with comfort and wearability at its core.
You won’t find perfect symmetry or machine-made edges here—what you will find is imperfect form, quiet character, and jewelry that feels personal and lived-in. Effortless pieces that transcend style while still feeling completely unique to the wearer. I’m a collector and am personally obsessed with the Amazonite Dreams Collection.
🧥 Fashion + vintage finds (aka: the unexpected gems)
Kameo Vintage — Booth 3035
One of my FAVORITE types of booths at this show. Kameo Vintage is beautifully curated—this is where you find something no one else will have. Melissa Carter is a magician when it comes to sourcing and styling you in vintage apparel and I am a superfan and loyal customer myself!
Tiered and More — Booth 4030
New this year—and even better, owner Leslie Maggio is local! I first discovered her at Curated by Amy Scott in Clarendon Hills. This is absolutely one of those “I didn’t know I needed this but now I do” stops.
She creates customizable tiered stands from vintage plates—equal parts functional and beautiful. Truly such a clever concept, and each one feels like a little work of art.
Hayl Studios — Booth 5129
Stunning botanical paintings with a vintage vibe? YES PLEASE. A great “I didn’t know I needed this but now I do” stop. Hayley is a vibrant artist and mother of four whose work celebrates everyday beauty through color, memory, and pattern. Her practice spans expressive landscapes and still lifes, often infused with a sense of nostalgia and joy, where familiar moments are reimagined through a bold, colorful lens.
💛 My biggest tip
Go in with a little bit of a plan… but leave space for magic and discovery.
Some of the best finds at this show are the ones you didn’t come looking for. It’s why I’ve been going for years—there’s always something new, and always someone whose work stays with you long after you leave.
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