The Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team are accepting nominees for the 18th Annual ARTS Awards. The ARTS Awards, presented each January during the Dallas International Gift and Home Accessories Market, is the premier awards program for the decorative accessories industry and recognizes excellence from retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives and designers in every region of the United States.

The new category of Outdoor Living has been added to the awards. Outdoor Living includes outdoor furniture, garden decor and accents, outdoor rugs, outdoor art and outdoor lighting (including chandeliers and fans).

Industry professionals and retailers are invited to nominate decorative accessory manufacturers, product designers and sales representatives. Manufacturers, sales representatives and industry professionals are invited to nominate retailers. Neither membership in ART nor representation at Dallas Market Center is necessary. The nomination deadline is June 30.

For ballots and ARTS Award information, call 214-879-8117, visit dallasmarketcenter.com or accessoriesresourceteam.org.

The awards categories are:

• Accent Furniture
• Area Rugs
• Decorative Accessories
• Home Textiles
• Lighting Fixtures
• Outdoor Living
• Permanent Floral
• Portable Lamps
• Tabletop
• Wall Decor

• National Furniture Retailer
• Regional Furniture Store
• Regional Lighting Showroom
• Regional Home Accent Specialty Store

Also, Product Designer, Sales Representative, Rising Star and Academy of Achievement.

The finalists will be announced in August. They must submit a detailed portfolio on their company, business philosophies and products. In November, industry expert judges convene in Dallas to separately review each company's submission. Once judging is completed, a designated accounting firm will tabulate the sealed ballots.

Winners will be announced Academy Awards-style at the next ARTS Awards gala in Dallas, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, to be held in the Trade Mart Atrium.

The 18th Annual ARTS Awards are co-sponsored by: Lyon Credit Services, Home Accents Today, Gifts & Decorative Accessories and other trade press.