The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP), a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, recently accepted 25 new entries during its annual jury session. An additional 17 craftspeople are expected to be included, after successful completion of the Program's jury mentoring program. There were three existing members whose new products were accepted during the jury session making a total of 35 new juried participants. 

The 2006 session was conducted by a panel of in-state and out-of-state craft professionals. Out-of-state jurors included: Sherry Masters, Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC; Alisha Vincent, Arts Business Institute, Baltimore, MD; and Susie Abromovitz, Rock Riffle Run Pottery, Shade, OH. 

In-state jurors included: Tim Glotzbach, founding director/dean, Kentucky School of Craft, Hindman; Victoria Faoro, executive director/buyer, Kentucky Artisans Center at Berea; and Mike Stutland, owner of Artique stores, Lexington. 

Jurors scored entries based on three areas: design, technique, and originality or authenticity.  An applicant whose score falls within a few points of the qualifying score is paired with a juried participant mentor who will assist the applicant in understanding how to bring his/her work to the standards required by the CMP.  After successfully completing the mentoring program, these applicants will be accepted into the program and granted all the benefits of a CMP juried participant without having to wait an additional year to rejury. 

Juried members will have an opportunity to participate in wholesale and retail venues such as the New York International Gift Fair, Kentucky Crafted: The Market, the Governor’s Derby Day Celebration, and other statewide initiatives. Participants also may use the “Kentucky Crafted” trademark and receive technical assistance for their business and craft. 

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Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a division of the Kentucky Arts Council in the Commerce Cabinet.

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.

(New Member Listing By County)

( JP )-Existing Juried Participant