Craft Marketing Program
“Kentucky Crafted” Businesses Continue a 20-Year Tradition at the New York International Gift Fair

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP), a division of the Arts Council, a state agency of the Commerce Cabinet continues a 20-year old tradition of exhibiting Kentucky crafted products at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, August 12–17, 2005, in New York. As part of a 20^th anniversary celebration for the Handmade Division, George Little Management LLC, coordinator of the fair, is planning a series of celebratory activities honoring 17 charter exhibitors, which includes the KCMP. 

Vallorie Henderson, Special Projects Coordinator, will be managing the KCMP booth, #5304/5403 in the Handmade Division, showcasing products from five juried participants.

First time exhibitor Candle Bee Farm LLC. (Eastwood, Kentucky), will feature 100%  natural bees wax candles and related products in various styles and colors.  Aardvark Woodworks Inc. (Clay City, Kentucky), now under new ownership, will offer natural and painted children’s toy chests, benches and various functional items. Veteran exhibitor Abby Glen Designs, (Louisville, Kentucky), a two family business, will present jewelry designs incorporating some of the finest beads and semi-precious stones available. Clay House Pots (Louisville, Kentucky) will present unique, functional and decorative artwork pottery that has proven to be a favorite from past shows. Gail Cohen Designs (Lexington, Kentucky) will feature unique fiber batik clothing & accessories , which have gained national attention due, in part, to exposure at the NYIGF.

Show promoters anticipate 43,000 buyers from more than 60 countries to attend. NYIGF is one of the largest wholesale trade shows in the country with exhibition space occupying over 650,000 square feet.

” “Kentucky’s long-term participation in the NYIFGF has had a major impact on bringing a national focus to Kentucky’s craft industry and our efforts to promote our artisans.  GLM’s recognition of Kentucky as an original charter member in the Handmade division will bring renewed attention to what we can offer buyers of fine crafts,” said Fran Redmon, Director of KCMP.

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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.

Contact Information for the Craft Marketing Program Juried Participants:

Gail Cohen Designs

Gail Cohen

309 Cassidy Avenue

Lexington, Kentucky 40502

(859) 269-5724

gailsart@worldnet.att.net

Clay House Pots

Amy Elswick

David Cross

3007 Brownsboro Rd.

Louisville, Kentucky 40206

Phone: (502 893-0888)

amy@clayhousepots.com

clayhousepots.com

Abby Glen Designs

Jamie Taylor, Suzanne Bollinger,

Sandy Moss, Lissy Vogt

6500 Glennridge Park Place, Apt. 9

Louisville, Kentucky 40222

(502) 326-0009 jamie@abbyglen.com

Candle Bee Farm LLC.

H.B. Sanner

P.O. Box 106

Eastwood, Kentucky 40018

beekeeper@candlebeefarm.com

candlebeefarm.com

Aardvark Woodworks Inc.

James Clark/Dwaine Meadows

1326 Black Creek Road

 Clay City, KY  40312

(606) 663-4244

 Toll Free (877) 664-4244

aardvarkwoodwork@bellsouth.net