Gwen Heffner
Information Specialist
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Phone: 859/ 985-5448  ext. 230
Fax: 859/ 985-5449
gwen.heffner@ky.gov

BEREA, Ky. (October 1, 2004) -- On Friday October 8, Berea College sophomore Sreirath Khieu of Cambodia, and senior Kandis Jamison of Mt. Vernon, will be demonstrating broomaking from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.
    
Berea College has a century-long tradition of preserving and creating Appalachian folk arts and crafts. The College Student Crafts Program is one of many labor departments and learning environments in which Berea College students work as part of their liberal arts education. Broomcraft has been a part of the Berea College Student Craft Program since 1920 when equipment from a broom factory was given to the college.

Sreirath Khieu, a student from Cambodia, has worked in broomcraft for a year and is a college sophomore the fall of 2004. Kandis Jamison of Mt. Vernon, is a college senior and is adept in the techniques required to make the wide variety of brooms the college produces. Both Sreirath and Kandis have mastered every step in the broomaking process, from shredding the broomcorn to the final broom stitching. Braiding, which requires dexterity, practice and skill, is one of the final steps these demonstrators will do to create the finished product. Berea College Student Craft Program brooms are regularly featured at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the cafe from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 450 artisans from all across the Commonwealth. For more information call 859-985-5448 or visit the Center’s web site at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Commerce Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.