FRANKFORT, Ky. — Eleven new artists have been accepted into the Kentucky Crafted program, the Kentucky Arts Council’s marketing assistance program that provides opportunities for artists to expand their market reach.

Artists are accepted into the program based on artistic excellence and market readiness as judged by an independent panel of art and craft industry professionals.

The new artists, qualifying from the pool of 55 applicants, are:

• Nora Swanson, Nora Swanson Arts, Berea
• William Keith Chambers, Woodwerks, Lexington
• Erin Taydus, Sassa Bella LLC, Harrodsburg
• Carrie Blackburn, Silver Smitten, Winchester
• Amanda Clark, Cattywumpus Bags, Louisville
• Jerry Hollon, Jerry Hollon Woodworking, Richmond
• Stephanie Brown, Tenth Post Handwovens, Louisville
• Melisa Zimmerman, Melisa Beth Ceramics, Lexington
• Rebecca DeBord, Science Hill
• Michael Terra, Terra Cottage, Paducah
• Amanda Pawley, Pawley Studios, Russellville

“Artists accepted into the Kentucky Crafted Program are widely recognized among the top craft and visual artists working in the country,” said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. “I welcome our new artists and am excited to see how their businesses grow as they become active in this program.”

In addition to marketing assistance, the Kentucky Crafted Program provides business training and exhibit opportunities to its members, such as inclusion in its online directory and exhibiting at Kentucky Crafted: The Market, its award-winning annual showcase.

There are currently 388 artists in the Kentucky Crafted Program. The arts council has four online directories featuring visual and craft artists, architectural artists, performing artists and teaching artists at http://artistdirectory.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Arts Council is the state arts agency, creating opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Kentucky Crafted Program provides technical assistance and marketing opportunities to Kentucky visual and craft artists. For more information about the program, contact Ed Lawrence at ed.lawrence@ky.gov or 502-564-3757 ext. 473.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Contact information for new participants in the Kentucky Crafted Program is listed below, along with websites and descriptions of the accepted work. Print quality photos of sample works are available by clicking the thumbnail images.

	Nora Swanson, Nora Swanson Arts, Berea Jewelry designed with simple geometric shapes and stunning natural colors created by specially developed patinas and select stones. Contact: nswansonarts@yahoo.com Online: http://www.nswansonarts.com
	William Keith Chambers, Woodwerks, Lexington Wooden gear clocks created as contemporary one-of-a-kind sculptures of Kentucky hardwoods and exotic woods from around the globe. Contact: k.chambers1@insightbb.com
	Erin Taydus, Sassa Bella LLC, Harrodsburg Earth-inspired, 100 percent natural, artisan-crafted body care products that promote well-being, encourage a sense of inner harmony and enhance beauty. Contact: sassabellabodycare@gmail.com Online: www.sassabellabodycare.com
	Carrie Blackburn, Silver Smitten, Winchester Silver jewelry inspired by nature and highlighting organic textures, created by lost wax method. Contact: nanhatton@gmail.com
	Amanda Clark, Cattywumpus Bags, Louisville Purses in surprising shapes, made from funky fabrics with unique embellishments. No two purses are exactly alike. Contact: amanda@cattywumpusbags.com Online: www.cattywumpusbags.com
	Jerry Hollon, Jerry Hollon Woodworking, Richmond Wooden kitchen items in contemporary designs created from native hardwoods of the Appalachian region. Contact: jerryhollon@hotmail.com Online: http://jerryhollonwoodworking.com
	Stephanie Brown, Tenth Post Handwovens, Louisville Linens and fabric hand woven in the Swedish tradition. Contact: stephanie@tenthpost.com Online: www.tenthpost.com
	Melisa Zimmerman, Melisa Beth Ceramics, Lexington Hand-thrown functional pottery, individually carved, inspired by everything from nature to graffiti. Contact: melisabethceramics@yahoo.com
	Rebecca DeBord, Science Hill Wire-wrapped jewelry that combines natural and semi-precious stones with sterling silver or 14K gold-filled wire in original contemporary designs. Contact: beckyswirejewelry@windstream.net Online: http://beckyswirejewelry.com
	Michael Terra, Terra Cottage, Paducah Ceramic sculptures, decorative and functional items combined with writing to create a whimsical, philosophical or emotional statement. Contact: michael@terracottage.biz Online: www.terracottageceramics.com
	Amanda Pawley, Pawley Studios, Russellville Hand-thrown utilitarian ceramics with a twist in design and function. Online: www.pawleystudios.com

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