Beau.haddock@ky.gov

http://kycraft.ky.gov

Kentucky’s White Oak Basket Making Tradition to Be Featured at
Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2004

For generations, the basketmaking traditions of South Central Kentucky have remained a source of regional pride and sustainability for many area families.  At this year’s Kentucky Crafted: The Market join the Kentucky Folklife Program in the Demonstration Area as they present some of the very best artists working in this community-based craft today. Visitors can learn about Kentucky basketry by viewing the newly created traveling exhibit that emphasizes materials and working processes of this folk art form.  On Saturday and Sunday February 28th and 29th the Demonstration Area will include several members of the newly formed Mammoth Cave Basketmakers Guild who will demonstrate their construction techniques using regional materials and locally-learned skills.  Basketmakers taking part in the weekend demonstrations include Leona Waddell of Elizabethtown, Charles and Charlene Long from Upton and Beth Hester and Scott Gilbert from Scottsville. 

The public is invited to attend Kentucky Crafted: The Market, 2004, Saturday, February 28, 9 am-6 pm, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, February 29, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing A, Louisville. General admission for adults is $8.00 and $4.00 for children 6-12; children under 6 are admitted free. Parking is $4.00. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available upon request. Extra shuttle service will be available from the fairground parking areas to South Wing A. Visit the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program web site: www.kycraft.ky.gov, for the official program guide and a $1.00-off admission coupon.

The Market is produced by the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a state agency in the Kentucky Arts Council, Commerce Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), ext. 4801. Or visit www.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.