Tulsa, Okla. (October 5, 2011) – Heart of Tulsa, presented by An Affair of the Heart, Oklahoma’s largest arts, crafts and antiques show, will return to Tulsa’s QuikTrip Center at Expo Square Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 20.

Heart of Tulsa will feature approximately 700 booths displaying a variety of merchandise from local and national artisans and independent retailers. The show provides shoppers with a unique opportunity to browse hundreds of retailers from across the nation selling unique, one-of-a-kind items celebrating the craft, skill, art and style of the vendor.

More than 400 vendors will fill the QuikTrip Center during the show selling everything from housewares and antiques to jewelry and home décor to more than 25,000 attendees over the event weekend.

“Heart of Tulsa has been hosting shows annually in Tulsa since 1995, and we’re pleased at the reception we’ve received,” said Eleanor Blakeman, founding partner. “We feel we’ve created a unique event that allows small retailers and independent artists the opportunity to reach a broader clientele while shoppers are introduced to new designers, crafters and artisans they may not find otherwise.”

In 1985 the first Affair of the Heart show took place in Oklahoma City attracting 60 booths and 800 attendees. The name “An Affair of the Heart” grew out of the common love for crafting and shopping of the eight women who organized the first show and every show there after. Their goal was to create a fun shopping experience that has become a tradition for generations of women.

In 1995 the show was expanded to the Tulsa market. The logo and show name, Heart of Tulsa, was altered slightly to distinguish between the two cities, but is still run solely by four of the original eight owners.

Today, four shows are held annually. Oklahoma City hosts shows in February and October each year at the Fairgrounds and Tulsa hosts shows in July and November each year at QuikTrip Center.

“An Affair of the Heart is one of the largest craft show venues in this area,” said Holly Loyd, owner of Spiffy Spoonz & More. “They have such a dedicated 'following' of shoppers... I allocate a full month of preparation prior to the show to ensure the customers are able to have an ample selection and are exposed to my new product offerings.”

The arts and crafts market has changed significantly since the first show. Traditional crafters are now exhibiting alongside a new generation of artisans and buy/sell retailers. Additionally, the Internet has provided a new medium for artists and crafters to sell and feature their work through sites like Etsy.com. With these new tools comes a new wave of interest in hand-made goods and unique quality items. The Affair of the Heart shows provide artisans, crafters and independent retailers a connection to their customers where they can gain valuable feedback and insight while shoppers are supporting small businesses and reducing their carbon footprint by shopping local and in some cases buying repurposed goods.

The Affair of the Heart shows are committed to showcasing talented artisans, crafters and independent retailers to the public in support of their crafts and the entire arts and crafts industry.

Show times are Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is just $6 at the door and is good for all three days. For more information visit heartoftulsa.com.