On Sunday, November 21, 12:30 – 2:30 CST, Barren River State Resort Park will host a special book and art signing. Gifted Kentucky author Ruth Irene Garrett, the best-selling author of Crossing Over: One Woman’s Escape From Amish Life (HarperSanFransisco, 2001) and My Amish Heritage (Turner Publishing Co., 2003) will be meeting the public and signing her books. Nationally and internationally known watercolor artist, Jane Kehrt, (Glasgow) and spiritually inspired photographer, Carol Shutt, (Hillsboro) will also be signing their work, adding even more value to these creative gifts.  Local photographer Harold Kelly and Louisville photographer Pat Brock will join Kentucky Collection artists, displaying their work.

Sunday, December 5, 12:30 - 2:30 (CST) shoppers will be treated to holiday music and great Kentucky candy and food products. Multi-instrumentalist and certified Music Therapist, Lorinda Jones, will perform Celtic and American music. Ruth Hunt Candy Company representatives will treat shoppers to holiday sweets plus other Kentucky food products will be available for sampling.  

The Kentucky Collection is a project of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a division of the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC), Commerce Cabinet.  Products in the Collection represent quality, moderately priced Kentucky crafts, visual arts, foods, books and music that are available for sale in selected retail venues around the state. Vendors are selected through an application process from the participants of the KAC’s adjudicated artist programs and partner groups in the project, which include the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Kentucky Book Fair.

Kentucky is nationally known for high-quality crafts, visual art, food, books, and music that reflect the Commonwealth’s unique flavor, culture and traditions, and these items can make very personal and meaningful gifts.  “Giving a gift from Kentucky sends a special message to the receiver, supports our in-state businesses, and the state’s economy”, says Nancy Atcher, who coordinates the Kentucky Collection Project.

Looking for unique gifts for Christmas or any occasion? A great place to start is Barren River State Resort Park gift shop or any of the Kentucky Collection store locations across the state. (See attached store listing)

For more information about the Kentucky Collection, please contact Nancy Atcher, Product Development Coordinator, 1-888-592-7238, ext. 4816 or visit the Program's site at:  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.

KENTUCKY STATE RESORT PARKS

www.parks.ky.gov

Barren River State Resort Park

Lucas

Constitution Square State Historic Site

Danville

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Corbin

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Gilbertsville

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Cadiz

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Jamestown

My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Bardstown

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Slade

Rough River State Resort Park

Falls of  Rough

Kentucky Collection products are also available at:

Diamond Caverns LLC

Park City

270/749-2233

www.diamondcaverns.com

Mary Kinney Millinery, Inc.

LaGrange

502/222-0382

Mulberry Junction

Madisonville

270/825-0095

www.mulberryjunction.com

The Cozy Corner

Whitesburg

606/633-9637

www.cozycornercrafts.com

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea

I-75 at Berea Exit

Berea

859/985-5448

www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov