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

BEREA, Ky. (September 17, 2004) -- On Friday, September 24, the Berea Welcome Center Carvers will demonstrate woodcarving from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Organized by Berea carver John Adams, The Berea Welcome Center Carvers gather each month at the Kentucky Artisan Center to help each other, share information among themselves and with visitors, and generally have a good time together carving. The more than 20-member group includes carvers from beginners to masters from all over Central Kentucky. Artisans demonstrating on September 24 will be Robert Beddow of Richmond, Vince Harrison of Irvine, Jack Johnson of Somerset and Andy Mayers of Lancaster. Most carvers in this group carve in-the-round figures.

Woodcarving is an ancient art found in every culture and part of the world. Carving styles include whittling, line carving, chip carving, pierced carving, relief carving, in-the-round carving (sculpture), architectural carving and chainsaw carving. Woodcarvings are classified as realistic, caricaturized or stylized (without specific features). Woods used for carving are walnut, butternut, catalpa, cedar, basswood or buckeye.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, restaurant and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 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 kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov High resolution photos are available by contacting Gwen Heffner at gwen.heffner@ky.gov

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Commerce Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.