Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show

Fri., March 27, 6-8:30 p.m.; Sat., March 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., March 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$12, Cruise Ship Terminal, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 5100 S. Broad St., 215-387-8590, philaifs.com.

by Deni Kasrel

Furniture

After a while, everything at Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and West Elm starts to look alike. That's mass production for ya. If you'd rather spiff up your place with a desk, lamp or table that doubles as a work of art, head to the Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show, where unique items are created by top craftsmen — everything from the funky Stickley-esque creations of Paul Hardy, to Jason Green's curvy, contemporary pieces. Don't see quite what you had in mind? These folks will build it. "The whole arrangement offers a lot of possibilities," says organizer/exhibitor Josh Markel, who notes that it's appropriate for this show to happen in Philadelphia, because the post-WWII craft furniture movement has deep roots in the city and surrounding area. This year's event offers a special exhibit highlighting several noted furniture makers of that period, including Wharton Esherick, Don Jackson and George Nakashima, whose influence is still deeply felt.

Fri., March 27, 6-8:30 p.m.; Sat., March 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., March 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $10-$12, Cruise Ship Terminal, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 5100 S. Broad St., 215-387-8590, philaifs.com.