Beau Haddock
1-888-592-7238, ext. 4817

beau.haddock@ky.gov
http://kycraft.ky.gov

WE GOT IT MADE IN KENTUCKY!

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP) staff is busy making sure that shoppers will “Get it made in Kentucky” at Kentucky Crafted: The Market, 2004. Now in its 23rd year, this award-winning annual Kentucky handcrafted gift market will open its doors to the general public on February 28 and 29 at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, South Wing A, Louisville. For the ninth year, the Southeast Tourism Society has selected the Market as one of the top twenty events in the southeast. Last year’s Market saw crowds of 11,000 plus.

The Market contributes to Kentucky’s 252 million dollars in annual craft sales and the additional 147 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,” said Fran Redmon, Kentucky Craft Marketing Program Director.

Nearly 300 exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2004 Market. Joining The Market for the first time will be 57 new exhibitors, including three in the food section, 29 juried craft participants, 17 out-of-state guest exhibitors, two publishers, four visual artists, one Kentucky organization, and one Kentucky Wood Products Competitiveness Corporation exhibitor. The gallery section, featuring 48 exhibitors, is back for the second year and is comprised of crafts and visual arts that are one-of-a-kind and limited-production items ideal for museums, collectors, and commissions. 

Again, this year's Market slogan, “We Got It Made In Kentucky,” reflects the breadth of quality artisan products available from the state and KCMP’s newest and most innovative program initiative, which works directly with artisans to develop specialized products for the marketplace.

The Product Showcase area, “ The Nature of Kentucky,” will feature products related to the garden.  “This is the second year the Market area will focus on the garden because of the continuing trend among consumers who purchase these items for their home,” says Nancy Atcher, Product Development Coordinator.

The Kentucky Cultural Stage will feature performing artists from the 2004 - 2005 Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Arts Directory, which now includes the Kentucky Folklife Program’s Roster of Traditional Music. A diverse sampling of celtic, bluegrass, jazz, folk, soul, and even Andean flute music sets the stage for Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, February 29. On Saturday morning food demonstrations from Kentucky Proud exhibitors take the stage, and the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) will be represented in performance by alumnus, Ochion Jewell Quartet. GSA provides hands-on arts opportunities for the state’s talented high school students who are dancers, actors, instrumental and vocal musicians, creative writers, future architects and visual artists. Traditional storytelling will be included in the entertainment line up for Sunday afternoon.

Young visitors can experience the excitement of the hands-on educational art and craft area, and work with professional artists. The Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design will conduct a fiber workshop. The Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will share crafts and sign language. The Kentucky Historical Society will be celebrating Women’s History Month by creating paper quilt squares. The Little Loom House joins The Market this year and continues to share the life’s work of Lou Tate in teaching the joys of hand weaving to all ages. This popular hands-on children’s educational area will offer activities on Saturday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 29, 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday the Kentucky Folklife Program will present some of the very best artists working in community-based craft today in a special demonstration area new to The Market.  For generations, the basketmaking traditions of South Central Kentucky have remained a source of regional pride and sustainability for many area families.  This area will feature members of the newly formed Mammoth Cave Basketmakers Guild who will demonstrate their construction techniques using regional materials and locally-learned skills. 

This year’s University of Louisville basketball schedule is official, and Market goers are urged to come early on Saturday by 11:00 a.m., or after 1:30 p.m. due to a 1 p.m. game scheduled in Freedom Hall. If you do plan to arrive around the noon hour, Gates 2 and 4 (off Crittenden Drive), or Gate 6 (off Preston Highway) will provide the easiest entry. The Kentucky Fair and Expo Center (KFEC) is making an extra effort to ease traffic and congestion associated with parking and gaining access during the Market. Some parking lots are being redesigned to accommodate more space, additional shuttles with clearly signed pickup locations are being added, and visitors will receive a site map at the gate entrances.  Additional directional signage will be posted throughout the facilities to assist visitors in locating their specific events.

Be sure to view the official Market program that will be published by award winning magazine, Arts Across Kentucky (spring 2004 edition), and available online at www.kycraft.ky.gov. Sponsors for The 2004 Market include NPC (National Processing Company), and Kentucky Retail Federation. This year’s media sponsors are, WLKY Channel 32, WFPK, Public Radio Partnerships, and Metro Networks.

For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238) ext. 4801 or visit our site at: http://kycraft.ky.gov.

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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.