Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Author Robert Elkins to Sign Book at Kentucky Artisan Center

On Saturday, June 19, Frankfort author Robert Elkins will sign copies of his book “The Conversion of Big Jim Cane” from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Elkins was born and raised in Floyd and Pike counties in Kentucky and was for a great part of his life a West Virginian. He taught music for many years in Mingo and Raleigh counties in West Virginia and was an educational consultant for the West Virginia Department of Education for several years. He served as music director for the theater productions Hatfield and McCoys and Honey in the Rock at Beckley, West Virginia for six years. Elkins now lives in Frankfort, Ky. and is currently the conductor of the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra.

Elkin’s writing career includes the publication of short stories, prose and poems in Kentucky Blue and in two issues of Appalachian Heritage. His book, The Conversion of Big Jim Cane, relates the story of his larger-than-life grandfather. The founder of Actors Theatre of Louisville, Ewel Cornet states, “This book, The Conversion of Big Jim Cane, is told in an engaging, humorous, intelligent and educated voice. . . Bob has recalled his raising in the mountains of Appalachia expertly. His musical ear has remembered the sounds and spirit of the hills and the dialogue is sharply authentic.”

Writings by Robert Elkins are regularly available at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, located at 975 Walnut Meadow Road just off I-75 at exit 77 (Berea). The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the café is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The center currently features works by more than 650 artisans from 100 counties across the Commonwealth. For information call 859-985-5448 or visit the center’s website at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.