In 2006 Kentucky Craft Marketing (KCM), a program of the Kentucky Arts Council, created the Glenn Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of one of its many volunteers that generously give of their time to support Kentucky Crafted: The Market.

The Glenn Volunteer Award was named in honor David and Donna Glenn of Louisville for their many years of service to the Market. The Glenns are veteran and talented artisans who produce unique veneer hand-woven baskets and have been active in the arts community for many years. They were also designated as 2003 Kentucky Crafted Emeritus honorees.

The Market will honor Jean Waters, Springfield, Kentucky for her many years in supporting the Market through her service as a volunteer. The award will be presented during at the annual awards dinner on Friday, March 2, 2007 as part of the 25^th anniversary celebration.  Jean is a doll maker and also a juried participant of the Kentucky Crafted program.

Organizing and producing the Market requires the help of more than 100 volunteers that contribute their time in various ways during the show. Many are Kentucky Crafted juried participants who enjoy giving back to the arts and fellow artisans. This award-winning event features approximately 300 exhibitors and has been attended by as many as 14,000 people in two days making the volunteers critical to its operation.

“It is important that we make this effort to recognize one of the many unsung heroes that help support the arts in Kentucky. While Kentucky Crafted: The Market is just one of many events across the state that depend heavily on a corps of volunteers the Glenn Volunteer Award is our way of thanking these special people for all they do,” said Fran Redmon, director of Kentucky Craft Marketing.

The first award recipients recognized during the 2006 Market were Edgar and Mycia Bell, Hodgenville, Kentucky, who have volunteered for many years, and continue to give of their time.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2007 will open its doors to the public Saturday March 3, (9am - 6pm) and - Sunday, March 4, (10am - 5pm, EST) at The Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing B, Louisville, Kentucky.

Adults $8, children (ages 15 and under Free), parking $5.

The Market features approximately 300 exhibitors of contemporary and traditional craft, two-dimensional visual art, books, musical recordings, and “Kentucky Proud” food products as well as live performances on the Kentucky Cultural Stage and children’s educational craft activities (ages 4-12).

Kentucky Craft Marketing, a program of the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, produces the Market. For more information, call 888-KYCRAFT (592-7238), local (502) 564-3757, or visit our web site at: www.kycraft.ky.gov.

###################

Since 1981,Kentucky Craft Marketing’s purpose 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.