depart-ment's photostream

welcome to the DEPART-ment "store". here you will find that everything you see has been made by people just like you. all things handcrafted. no brand-names. no foreign-assembly. no questionable-ethics.

first, you will note that this is not a craft fair. we've organized our goods to help accommodate your need to find all the objects you desire in a manner that you're already comfortable with. racks and islands and counters. a checkout area. knowledgeable and friendly personnel who want to help you find what you're looking for.

you should also know that you're not inside a "store" in the classic sense. DEPART-ment is a concept. a temporary autonomous zone for the shopper and the seller alike. a place for people to meet and exchange, anything and everything. there's no limitation placed on the goods and services offered through it's organization. the only requirement is that it's handmade and unique. we think this will help you be happy about your purchasing. we think this will allow us to continue doing what we love. thank you for coming. maybe you can learn about how to make what you're looking for on your own, from people who have already started down that path. participate. join the family.

DEPART-ment comes together in this form four times a year. it's to be seasonal. please plan for it, we'll be back and would love to see you again. if you need something in the off season please consult us, we are meant to be a resource for all the goods and services offered here but available when the here is not here, for, in the end, temporary autonomous zones are not permanent, however, they can recur. first, once every three months in chicago. then, once every three months in two other cities. monthly in cities near you.