Howard and Janet Rose

Both Howard and Janet Rose were full time teachers at a central New Jersey High School. Janet taught English for 26 years and Howard was a Vocational Graphic Arts teacher for 27 years. They retired in June 2000.

Before beginning show promotion, both were professional potters creating wheel-thrown, functional stoneware pots selling at quality craft shows for approximately 6 years throughout the Northeast (Lincoln Center, Peters Valley, Central Park, etc). Knowing what it is like being exhibitors allows them to create a show with the exhibitors interests (both fiscal and physical) in mind.

After assisting running an art and craft show at their Temple, Howard and Janet decided to form Rose Squared Productions, Inc. and try to create a quality, juried event in Essex County.

The name Rose Squared is from Howard’s grandmother, Rose Rose, and being two Roses, formed the business with the appropriate name. They are now celebrating over 25 years in business.

Their first show was held at South Mountain Arena in West Orange. After the second year, the business was expanded to include free-to-the-public shows in Montclair, Verona, Upper Montclair, and Cranford in co-sponsorship with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

Their first show was held at South Mountain Arena in West Orange, NJ. After the second year, the business was expanded to include free-to-the-public shows in Montclair, Verona, Upper Montclair, and Cranford in co-sponsorship with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

Rose Squared Productions, Inc. presents six shows annually with 120 exhibitors in the Westfield Armory shows to 175 exhibitors in the Essex County shows. Artists and crafters from throughout the East Coast and beyond participate in these events. The shows are well-attended, well-organized events.