Beau.haddock@ky.gov

http://kycraft.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Since 1982, the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, has produced Kentucky Crafted: The Market. This annual award-winning wholesale/retail Kentucky handcrafted gift market is the nation’s first, and remains one of very few state-sponsored events of this type. The Market contributes to Kentucky’s 252 million dollars in annual craft sales and the additional 148 million dollars in economic impact that is derived from out-of-state sales.  “The Market is a collaborative effort among several state agencies and cabinets, which promote Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage while supporting the state’s economy and generates 2 to 3 million dollars in direct sales, annually.

“As I travel to national arts meetings across the county, I am always encouraged by the knowledge and respect my counterparts hold for the success of Kentucky’s Craft Marketing Program, says Gerri Combs, Kentucky Arts Council executive director. Two years ago, at their request, Combs made an impressive presentation to the Montana Art Council, while serving as a grant panelist and sparked the decision for a Montana delegation to visit Kentucky Crafted: The Market, 2004.

"Montana looks to Kentucky Crafted: The Market as the finest model in the country for this type of event.  The Montana Arts Council, which is the official arts agency for the state, is very interested in considering this type of program for our region. Montana is now working in the area of cluster economic development, and ‘creative enterprise’ is one of the priorities set by the state, with the craft market of particular interest to us,” says Arlynn Fishbaugh, executive director, Montana Arts Council.  The delegation coming to Kentucky will include two Montana legislative leaders, Senator Jon Tester and Representative Monica Lindeen.  The state's economic leaders are also attending, including Chief Business Officer for the state of Montana Dave Gibson, director of commerce Mark Simonich, incoming chairman of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Susan Munsinger, arts council chairman Bill Frazier, Blackfeet traditional artist and arts council member Jackie Parsons, international art dealer Geoff Sutton and Western States Arts Federation board member Keith Colbo.  Fishbaugh adds, "The Kentucky Arts Council and Kentucky Crafted are known throughout the country as outstanding programs.  We look forward to learning from the masters and experiencing Kentucky's marvelous artists, too."

“For many years the Kentucky Craft Market Program has consulted with numerous representatives from other states and countries in helping model their programs.  Tamarack, West Virginia; Handmade In America, North Carolina; Armenia, Argentina, and Canada, have all looked to Kentucky for structuring their programs. The Montana delegation is the largest number we have hosted at one time and we are honored they chose to attend The Market,” said Fran Redmon, Kentucky Craft Marketing Program Director.

The Market is open to Trade only on February 26 and 27, 2004. Interested retailers who wish to attend can register at the door with two forms of business identification.

The Market will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, February 29, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing A, in Louisville.  Public admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.  Parking is $4.  Free shuttle transportation will be provided from the parking lot. Visit the Web site www.kycraft.ky.gov for official program guide and $1 off admission coupon.
       
Shoppers can expect to see 300 of Kentucky’s finest traditional, folk and contemporary crafts, two dimensional visual art, recorded music, videos, books, food products, Kentucky Cultural Stage entertainment, and children’s craft activities.

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Since 1981, the Craft Marketing Program's mission is to develop the state's craft industry, support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople, create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs, preserve the state's craft traditions, stimulate and support product development, and generate public awareness, public support and public/private partnerships.

The Program provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, or groups wanting to develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, to other outside entities (e.g., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government agencies), and the general public. The craft industry in Kentucky contributes 252 million dollars in annual sales and Kentucky is recognized as a model state for its craft programs and its role in the $14 billion national craft industry.