Craft Marketing Program
Calling All Kentucky Artisans Interested In State Marketing Programs

The Kentucky Arts Council will host a Pre-Jury Session from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, February 7, at the Lexington Art League, (Lexington, Kentucky) to introduce artisans to the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program and the Visual Arts at the Market Program.  Program representatives will discuss the application and jury process as well as the history and participation benefits of the two programs. Participation is free and open to all Kentucky artists.  Those interested in applying to the programs may bring samples of their artwork for review and discussion.

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is open to all Kentucky residents who create traditional and contemporary crafts in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood, mixed media, or other natural materials. Jury evaluation is based on quality standards for originality/authenticity, technique, and design. Members have an opportunity to participate in wholesale and retail venues, such as the New York International Gift Fair; Kentucky Crafted: The Market; and the Governor’s Derby Breakfast.  Participants also may use the “Kentucky Crafted” logo, attend educational workshops, exhibit at the Capitol, and can receive advanced technical assistance including product development grants for their business and craft.

The Visual Arts at the Market Program is open to all Kentucky residents that are 2-D artists doing original 2-D paintings, drawings, prints, photographers, and mixed-media work, in addition to note cards, posters, calendars and other printed products derived from original 2-D art. This program is for artists interested in reaching wholesale and retail markets.  It is a component of a larger event, Kentucky Crafted:  The Market, held annually in Louisville.

The pre-jury sessions are free and open to all Kentucky artists and craftspeople interested in marketing their work. Pre-registration is required. To register, go to http://www.kycraft.ky.gov/whatsnew.html#PreJury. Similar pre-jury sessions are scheduled in 2006 for Berea, Owensboro, and Somerset. (See listing below)

For additional information about the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program and pre-jury sessions, contact Charla Reed, toll free at (888) 592-7238, direct line, 502-564-8110, ext.485; or email charla.reed@ky.gov.

For information about the Visual Arts at the Market program and other artist opportunities, please contact Amber Luallen, toll free at (888) 833-2787, direct line, (502) 564-8110 ext 479; or email amber.luallen@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.

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet that invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation.  Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Pre-Jury Sessions

February 7, 2006 - Lexington / Lexington Art League

March 8, 2006 - Owensboro / River Park Center

April 11, 2006 - Berea / Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea

April 12, 2006 - Somerset / The Center for Rural Development

April 18, 2006 - Ashland / Pendleton Arts Center

October 4, 2006 (FOR JURY SESSION 2007) - Berea / Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea