Craft Marketing Program
“Kentucky Crafted” Businesses Gear Up For The New York International Gift Fair

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP), a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, will be exhibiting “Kentucky Crafted”™ products for the 21st year at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), August 12-16, 2006, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York.

Vallorie Henderson, Special Projects Coordinator for Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP), will be managing the KCMP booth, #5304/5403 in the Handmade Section, showcasing products from five juried participants: Beaded Bliss, Lexington; Abby Glen Designs, Louisville; Through Dinah’s Eyes, Louisville; Moss Hill LLC, Louisville; and Watson Clay Art, Alexandria.  

New to the NYIGF will be 25-year veteran potter and gallery owner, Larry Watson, (Watson Clay Art) showcasing functional porcelain pottery and fine art sculptures of abstract design.

Another first time exhibitor will be Jeanine Moneypenny, (Moss Hill LLC) offering natural/organic products including creative candles, soaps and related products.

Veteran exhibitor Abby Glen Designs, a two family business, will present jewelry design incorporating some of the finest beads and semi precious stones available.

Second year exhibitor, Jennifer Stephenson McLamb, (Beaded Bliss) will be offering contemporary jewelry designs featuring high-tech precious metal clay and fused glass, uniquely combined with ancient bead-weaving techniques.

Also returning for the second year will be exhibitor, Dinah Smiley (Through Dinah’s Eyes), displaying multi-media work incorporating a wide variety of digital processes using traditional drawing, painting, and photography producing unique images on beautiful yet functional house ware accessories.

The 151st semi-annual NYIGF will present 2,600 exhibitors and show promoters anticipate 43,000 buyers to attend from more than 60 countries. This semi-annual wholesale show is produced by George Little Management, LLC and occupies over 650,000 square feet. “Never before has the New York International Gift Fair offered so much – in terms of products, education and targeted resources for our retail audience. This summer’s new initiatives support the Gift Fair’s goal of making buying easy and rewarding,” said Leslie Nathan-Street, senior vice president and group show director.

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program has garnered respect over the years through its participation in this international trade show, which helps maintain Kentucky’s leadership position among other states that support their craft businesses.

(Note contact information below)

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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.