MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER

ASSOCIATION

HIGHLIGHTS & NEWS

ARIZONA

L to R: Randall Pavarini & Charles Pavarini III

Book Signing :The Art of LED Lighting

L to R: Randall Pavarini, Chris West, Past President of IFDA Arizona,

& Charles Pavarini III

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER

On May 1st IFDA New England raised a glass to celebrate Tony's contributions to Art and Design throughout his life. In his honor, the Tony Fusco Memorial Scholarship has been established by IFDA-New England through the IFDA Educational Foundation, with a contribution match from New England Home magaziine to support emerging talent in design.

NEW YORK CHAPTER

May 7th, at 12 noon IFDA New York Webinar Series

Yes, the ever-changing tariff playing field is turning the retail business upside down so Warren Shoulberg, business journalist and long-time observer of the home furnishings trade, will try to sort out the winners and losers but also give an overview of which retailers are best positioned in the marketplace overall and which ones may be in the Land of the Retail Living Dead. As usual, he'll name names and take prisoners.

Never a dull moment in the home furnishings business.

Join IFDA during NYC x Design Week

PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER

Tuesday, May 6th 10 AM – 3 PM 

Buck’s Club 2600 York Rd, Jamison, PA 18929

Indulge in breakfast, lite bites, and lunch while discovering the latest trends and must-have products from top vendors. Whether you're sourcing for a current project or looking to elevate your design offerings, this event is a can't-miss opportunity to network, explore, and be inspired.

Break out the bell bottoms, platform shoes, and glitter—because we’re taking it back to the FABULOUS ‘70s for a night of dancing, dazzling lights, and disco fever!

 🎶 Live DJ spinning ‘70s hits 🪩 Dance floor with disco ball  🍢 Groovy bites: cheese fondue, cocktail meatballs, retro apps & sweet treats with Signature “Closet Cosmo” cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic sips 👗 Show off your best 70’s outfit—because it’s Not old, it’s VINTAGE! Tour the showroom

RICHMOND CHAPTER

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

IFDA Educational Foundation

Announces New Tony Fusco Memorial Scholarship

Established by New England Chapter

A new IFDA Educational Foundation (IFDA EF) scholarship is being established by the New England Chapter in memory of Tony Fusco, a longtime IFDA New England member and a visionary in Boston’s design and arts communities. In 1997, he and his husband Robert Four founded Fusco & Four, a PR agency that produced major cultural events, including the Boston International Fine Art Show and Boston Design Week.

Launched in 2011, Boston Design Week grew into a citywide celebration of design under Tony’s leadership. A passionate preservationist, Tony also founded the Art Deco Society of Boston, authored five books, and was a respected figure in international design circles. He was also a poet, teacher, and advocate, remembered for his warmth, creativity, and dedication to others.

Thanks to the generosity of the New England Chapter, New England Home Magazine and its publisher Kathy Bush-Dutton and many other individual donors, the scholarship will be for $6000 and will be available in 2026 to a New England undergraduate student. The student can go to any school in the U.S. but needs to reside in New England.

“We are very pleased to offer the next generation of designers a scholarship recognizing the strength of New England in the design arena,” said John Trifone, President of IFDA NE. “This scholarship honors Tony’s lasting legacy and his many contributions to the design world.

“We are honored to establish this scholarship,” concluded Karen Dzendolet, Chairman of the Board of IFDA EF. “It will only expand opportunities for deserving students.”