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

BEREA, Ky. (October 1, 2004) -- On Saturday, October 9, fiber artist Judy Kushner of  Georgetown, will demonstrate silk painting, show visitors her techniques, and encourage visitors to try silk painting first hand from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Originally from Danville, Illinois, Judy Kushner moved to Louisville after visiting the state and falling in love with Kentucky’s landscape. She studied art through high school and when her daughter was born in 1981, she decided to work part-time. This career change allowed Judy the chance to develop her love of painting wearables. After painting on sweatshirts for a time, a friend suggested she paint on silk which is smoother and more responsive to color. Judy experimented with painting on silk and fell in love with the material. Her first item was a silk tie given to a friend at Christmas and before long she was selling silk ties to commercial stores. Each racing season Judy creates newly designed silk ties with horse imagery which are given to guests, jockeys, trainers and owners connected with the Derby and Preakness events by the Triple Crown sponsor VISA.
 
Judy’s silk painting is inspired by nature, horses and racing, and her overall love of color. She begins with large quantities of white silk which she cuts into the shape of the wearable item she is making. Her scarves start as plain white hand-rolled and hemmed lengths which she paints with images. Judy begins the process by drawing images on paper, then tracing and cutting the drawings into templates. She uses liquid water-based resist to draw around the templates to create her image on the silk. Judy then mixes liquid dyes to achieve the range of colors she wants and applies the dye with brushes onto the silk. The dye is allowed to set for between 8-24 hours before the silk is put into a chemical bath to remove the resist. The finished silk item is then washed and ironed. Judy Kushner’s silk scarves are regularly found at the Kentucky Artisan Center and during her demonstration, visitors will be encouraged to try silk painting on small fabric swatches.

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 café 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.