Mary Kinney Millinery, a Kentucky Collection store in LaGrange, Ky., is one of 11 stores selected by the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP) to test market a unique way of selling Kentucky craft products. The store will host a reception from 5 – 7 pm (ET), Friday, September 24^th, at 200 E. Main Street, LaGrange. Live music will be provided by Louisville- based musical group, Hog Operation, and refreshments will be served.

The Kentucky Collection is a pilot project of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a state agency, to provide retailers across the state access to affordable Kentucky craft, art, food, books and music, for sale under the  “Kentucky Collection” brand.  

Shoppers will find Kentucky products from Gastineau Jewelry (Berea), Southern Delights Gourmet Foods (Bowling Green), Plum Lick Publishing (North Middletown) and Hog Operation CD’s, and other Kentucky Collection products.

“It’s not too early to be thinking about giving a gift from Kentucky”, says owner Mary Kinney about the upcoming holidays. 

Mary Kinney Millinery was selected in 2001 to participate as one of six privately owned stores during a three-year test phase. Five Kentucky state park gift shops were also included, making a total of 11 stores.   “We were looking at testing the concept of having affordable Kentucky products in stores located in both small and large communities to create a diverse pool of customers. The city of LaGrange provided the perfect venue for the Kentucky Collection due to its focus on tourism,” said Nancy Atcher, Product Development Coordinator, KCMP. 

For more information about the reception, call Mary Kinney Millinery at (502) 222-0382. 

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a state agency in the Kentucky Arts Council, Commerce Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky.  For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (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.