Craft Marketing Program
ATTENDANCE AND SALES UP AT KENTUCKY CRAFTED: THE MARKET 2006

Kentucky Crafted: The Market, was held March 3 - 5, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing B and featured 283 exhibitors of craft, 2-D art, food, books and recorded music. Combined attendance totaled 9,446 representing a 19% increase in public attendance and a 16% increase in trade attendance. The market also requires the support of more than 100 volunteers who generously donate their time.

Based on initial reports from exhibitors, overall wholesale and retail sales appear to be up from 2005 despite a reduction in trade day hours.

Wholesale trade attendance was higher than last year, with 388 shops attending, compared to 367 in 2005.  Retailers from out-of-state represented 84 shops from as far away as California. Exhibitors reported overall better buying trends from both retail and wholesale buyers. “ I placed orders with several artists and am eager to have them in the gallery. It is always terrific to see things I haven’t seen before and bring work to my customers that they are unlikely to find elsewhere,” said Pam Marshak, owner of Present Tense, San Clemente, California and a 2005 nominee for Niche Magazine’s Top 100 Retailer of American Craft Award.

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, Commerce Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky.  For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238); 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.