NEW YORK, NY.- Fine and Vintage pen aficionados will be treated to an unparalleled collecting opportunity at this October’s NYC Pen Show. Now in its tenth year and boasting nearly 100 international exhibitors the event includes several educational programs and special exhibits.

With a focus on dealers rather than large manufacturers this intimate convention gives attendees the ability to acquire unique pens from hard-to-find specialty makers and in some cases allows people to meet the pen artists responsible for these fantastic creations. The event also offers those interested in vintage writing instruments the opportunity to get tips on building their own collections and obtain rare, antique pieces directly from prominent collectors.

Amongst the most highly anticipated exhibitors this year will be pieces by award winning pen-turner Barry Gross. Incorporating recycled objects, such as watch parts and bottle caps, or exotics woods into his pieces, Gross has been commissioned by the White House to make pens for former Vice President Cheney and his work can also be found in the pockets of several famous individuals including Steven Spielberg and Jimmy Buffet for whom he made the Margaritaville pen. Also of interest will be work by Korean artist Myoung-Hyo Kim, who uses traditional hand-painting techniques on Celadon ceramics to create her unique line of pens.

Highlighting this year’s educational events will be a handwriting workshop presented by Susan Wirth. Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Wirth specializes in helping people find pens that enhance their handwriting. Additionally, the largest most comprehensive single-owner collection of Victorian pencils will be exhibited. On display for the first time in a decade the group includes a number of very rare pieces dating from the mid-1800s. Specialist Joe Nemecek will be on hand to give background on this lost art.

“The most outstanding aspect of this show is that there is only one like it here in New York City,” states founder of the NYC Pen Show, Maryann Zucker. “Being such an international city I always thought it was amazing that no one had ever mounted a pen show here. Now that we’re going into our 10th year I think we’ve really been able to open up this amazing area of collecting to a whole new generation.”

The NYC Pen Show will take place on Friday, October 15th (11am-7pm); Saturday, October 16th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 17th (10am-4pm) at the Park Central Hotel located at 870 Seventh Avenue. Daily admission is $10.