Beau Haddock   Media Communications / Marketing

(502) 564-9738

A collaboration between Osram Sylvania Inc., top students from the University of Kentucky School of Interior Design, and art and craft by juried members of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP) is in progress to produce a Designer Showcase. The partnership is being coordinated by the Craft Marketing Program, division of the Kentucky Arts Council, and will be featured as part of Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2005, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky, March 5-6.

"Live everyday surrounded by Kentucky's best" is the theme of the Designer Showcase and products from Market exhibitors will be featured in a mock house setting to illustrate how Kentucky's impressive cache of art, craft and other products can be used as everyday furnishings and décor.

Associate professor, U.K School of Interior Design, Joe Rey Barreau has selected top students to design interior room vignettes within the mock home. Osram Sylvania Inc. representatives Brent Eastwood (Winchester,  product manager) and Bill Payne, (Winchester,  planning manager) are working together with the students on designing and installing complementary interior lighting specific to the showcase. Osram Sylvania Inc.Kentucky Plants are this year’s Market Silver Sponsor.

“This is a perfect example of how state programs are interacting with private businesses and higher education. The students get a chance to work one-on-one with highly skilled experts already in professional manufacturing fields. The students are being introduced to art and craft works that could possibly be used in future projects. The manufacturers have a chance to present product lines and technical support to college programs.  Also, visitors viewing the Designer Showcase will have the opportunity to discover how art and lighting can enhance areas in their homes,” said Nancy Atcher, product development coordinator for the Craft Marketing Program.

Visitors can view the Designer Showcase and over 300 exhibitors of fine traditional, folk and contemporary crafts, two-dimensional visual art, musical recordings, books and food products plus Kentucky cultural entertainment and children’s craft activities at Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2005.

Market hours are Saturday March 5, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday March 6, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (EST).

Admission is $8.00 adults, children 15 and under are free. Parking is $5.00.

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) ext. 4801; 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.