The State of the State by Fran Redmon, KCMP Director
The Market Story on Southwest Airlines
Kentucky Crafted: The Market - A Top 20 Event Again
New Market Advisory Committee Members
Teachers Professional Development Seminar at The Market
Kentucky Artists' Ornaments decorate White House Tree
Kentucky Crafted at the New York International Gift Fair
Big Plans from the Kentucky School of Craft
New from the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Announcements
Opportunities
Calendar

If you pay attention to news reports, you are certainly aware of the current revenue crisis affecting the state's budget.

Every state agency is implementing cost-saving measures and adhering to spending restrictions. While the arts in Kentucky have not been singled out for cuts, as they have been in other states, our agency has experienced several budget reductions. The Craft Marketing Program depends on agency receipts for approximately thirty-percent of its operating budget. These receipts come in the form of fees for logo items, booths, and workshops, etc. and donations and sponsorships for Kentucky Crafted: The Market. Partnerships with other state agencies and organizations help to extend our resources and improve the quality of programs, while avoiding duplication.

The CMP staff diligently monitors expenditures and strives to maintain reasonable fees. We are mindful of the affect the current economic climate has on the businesses that the CMP supports. We have been able to avoid fee increases over the last two years, in spite of the economic conditions. All CMP fees will be reviewed in light of the current budget. It will be inevitable that cost increases and budget cuts will have to be absorbed through increased fees. While some streamlining may also be required, every effort will be made to sustain current levels of programming.

We may be seeking your input on programmatic priorities and ways to increase revenues with minimal impact on your business. Your best interest will be kept in the forefront of our planning, as tough decisions are being made. We will appreciate your patience, support, and understanding, as we work together to weather these leaner times.

Sincerely,

Fran Redmon
Program Director

If you are traveling on Southwest Airlines over the next few months and happen to reach for the magazine "Spirit" in front of your seat, chances are you will be reading about The Market 2003! Several juried members exhibiting at this year's Market agreed to phone interviews for this special article from Southwest Airlines.

This is just one of the many ways in which The Market story gets out to buyers across the nation.

For the eighth time in nine years, the Southeast Tourism Society has named Kentucky Crafted: The Market as one of the Top Twenty Events In The Southeast. The Atlanta-based society has always recognized the many unique and diverse events in the southeastern region and selects 20 of the top events and publishes them to over 300 newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations, as well as 125 AAA publications. The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, producer of Kentucky Crafted: The Market, is honored to have received this award.

The following artists were nominated by the 2002 Market exhibitors and will begin their three-year terms on the Market Advisory Committee with the upcoming 2003 Market:

Cynthia Carr, ceramic artist
Justine Dennis, fiber artist
Mary Reed, natural and organic artist
John Gage, musician

They have graciously accepted their nominations and will be serving through Market 2005. Another new person on the scene will be Sharon Haines, newly-elected president of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. The Guild's president has been serving on the Committee since it was formed in 1994. A list of all Market Advisory Committee members was included in the last Market mailing to exhibitors. Please contact any of the committee members regarding any suggestions or concerns you may have relating to The Market.

Thanks to help from circuit rider, Judy Sizemore, the Kentucky Department of Education has offered to create a hot link from their " What's New" web page to announce the teacher seminar at Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003.

The professional development seminar is for Elementary, Middle and High School Educators, but festival organizers are welcome to attend. It is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2003, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in South Wing A, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville.

For more details, click here: Crafts Across the Curriculum

Five Kentucky juried artists from the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program created ornaments for the White House tree this past Christmas. The theme, "All Creatures Great and Small," involved more than 300 artists from around the nation who individually created ornaments which adorned the 18-foot Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Each state was asked to provide ornaments featuring a different creature for the theme, and Kentucky artists were asked to send ornaments depicting birds indigenous to the Commonwealth.

Vallorie Henderson, special projects coordinator for the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, has selected artisans at the request of the Governor's office and the White House during the Bush Administration and selected the five juried artists who specialize in birds. "Each year we have a different theme and set of guidelines to follow in complying with the White House's requests. This year, individual ornament weights were the big issue. Each ornament was required to weigh between 6 and 8 ounces, due to the stress on the tree that some 300 ornaments would create. All of the artists were careful in designing and modifying their ornaments to meet the regulations," said Vallorie.

The following Kentucky artists were honored at the White House for their ornaments and made the trip to Washington for a special reception:

Edgar Bell, Hodgenville (wood carved rooster)
Mitzi Dotson, Versailles (painted chickadees on native gourds)
Tim Hall, Ravenna (carved mallard duck head)
Judy Kushner, Georgetown (painted cardinals on silk
Mark Payton of Louisville (glass blown hummingbird)

First Lady, Laura Bush, hosted the reception, posed for pictures with each artist by the decorated tree, and offered an unrestricted tour of the White House.

The Kentucky Collection and two "Kentucky Crafted" businesses will be at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Jacob Javits Convention Center, February 1-6, 2003. Amid a flurry of new trends and exciting products, the 144th semi-annual New York International Gift Fair organizers estimate 60,000 retailers, sales representatives, and manufacturers from more than 60 countries will attend.

Vallorie Henderson, Special Projects Coordinator for Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP), will be managing booth 5304/5403, which will showcase Kentucky exhibitors in the handmade division. "Kentucky Craft Marketing Program has garnered respect over the years through its participation in this international trade show, that helps maintain our leadership position among other states that support their craft businesses. Our booth is well known not only for the outstanding, unique Kentucky Crafts, but also for Kentucky's famous bourbon balls. Veteran buyers come by our booth looking for these treats, and it's a good sales advantage to have plenty of samples on hand," said Vallorie, humorously.

Since its first appearance in 1985 at the NYIGF, Kentucky has continued to take innovative strides to market the works of its craft industry. Now in an attempt to work with retailers in product development, the booth will feature products from the Kentucky Collection, an assortment of Kentucky products that is being test-marketed in the state, and also provide- access to selected craft businesses through an on-line Buyers Guide. Buyers may also visit www.kyvirtual.com, a new web site launched by Kentucky Wood Products Competitiveness Corporation, to promote and sell a wide range of Kentucky-made products on the Internet, using the latest e-commerce technology. And, for the first time ever, product development grants are available to retailers who wish to connect with Kentucky -craft and visual art participants in developing products they would like to have on their retail shelves.

Returning veteran exhibitors Judy and Gordon Geagley of Judy's Kentucky Crafts, Tollesboro KY, known nationally for handmade bears created from old recycled quilts and coats, said, "We've got a good feeling about the New York show in February. It has always been a positive experience for us, and we have been doing this show since August of 1997. We will be introducing a new line of brightly-colored bears and smaller-sized, knit sweater bears. We're very anxious to see how they are received. The NYIGF is such a great testing ground for new products, due to the wide variety of buyers you encounter."

Also returning is Gail Cohen of Gail Cohen Designs, Lexington, KY, known nationally for her fiber batik clothing & accessories. She will be premiering her new "Sack Of Socks" line, uniquely painted old-fashioned flower sacks, with special socks inside for adults and children. "These sacks can be used to store many different items, such as hand towels, for example. The economy is down; so, I'm bringing out my brightest colors and offering my lower priced pieces. It cheers people up to have something colorful at an affordable price," said Gail.

"Aside from allowing Kentucky For Craftspeople to break into the national and international giftware market, this exhibit provides great exposure to Kentucky crafts and gives us the opportunity to invite buyers to Kentucky Crafted: The Market," says Program Director, Fran Redmon.

Any juried participant interested in the NYIGF should email or call Vallorie Henderson at 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), local calls at (502) 564-3757 ext. 4811.

Though the snow falls and the temperatures sometime dip into the teens, construction on the Kentucky School of Craft (KSOC) facilities in Hindman, Kentucky, is progressing. The 25,000 square foot facility boasts state-of-the-art studio facilities for jewelry, metals, and wood, plus additional classrooms, a gallery space and community area. The inner courtyard offers a wonderful space to enjoy the sun, while discussing your work or simply relaxing. In anticipation of this great new opportunity for For Craftspeople nationwide, the staff at KSOC has been busy planning for the opening of the school in the summer of 2003.

The Kentucky School of Craft will begin its inaugural year of programming in August 2003 with a year (2003/2004) of one-week, two-week, and weekend workshops. While still in the planning stages, these workshops will focus on jewelry, metalsmithing, woodworking, and furniture design, ranging from beginning to professional levels. Additional courses in fiber, bookmaking, papermaking, painting and drawing are being considered. Workshop participants will be offered room and board at the Hindman Settlement School, a few hundred feet "down the creek" from the KSOC. It is a beautiful setting with wonderful accommodations.

A feature of this first year will be the "Kentucky Masters Series." These in-depth workshops will be taught by some of our states most treasured and experienced For Craftspeople. The series is expected to continue into the future and will undoubtedly become a hallmark for Kentucky and the KSOC.

For more information, please stop by their table at Kentucky Crafted:The Market 2003, in Louisville, February 27-March 2, or contact them at:

The Kentucky School of Craft
Hazard Community College
57 Education Drive
P.O. Box 1497
Hindman, KY 41822
Phone-(606) 785-1055
Fax-(606)-785-0268
Tim.Glotzbach@kctcs.edu

If you find yourself on Interstate 75 at Berea exit 77, be sure to look in the southeast corner of the intersection to enjoy the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea newly-rising above the interstate. Four- to-nine stone masons have been on site daily since summer, laying walls beautifully crafted of Harrodsburg limestone, and the building's slate and copper roofs are now being completed.

Images of the building construction will be at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea booth at Kentucky Crafted: The Market and on the Center's new website launching in late February at: www.kentuckyartisancenter.org. Anticipated opening date is the second weekend in July 2003!

The Center contacted all Kentucky Craft Marketing Program and Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen juried artisans by mail in January to invite them to express their interest in selling products to the Center for resale in the gallery/shops there, exhibiting work at the Center, assisting with the development of educational materials or programs, and/or volunteering. If you are a KCMP juried artisan and did not receive your mailing, please call 859-985-5448, immediately. Center staff look forward to beginning their work with artisans later this month!

"Everyone working with the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is eagerly anticipating this new opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of Kentucky artisans! We look forward to working with KCMP artisans to make this Center a reality," said Victoria A. Faoro, Executive Director of The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Needed! Demonstrators for Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003

Demonstrators for Kentucky Crafted: The Market are needed to fill empty time slots for the on-going Demonstration Stage. Only juried participants of the Craft Marketing Program are eligible to demonstrate. Share your talent and help educate attendees! Most folks don't realize that handcrafted work costs more because it takes so much more work to make! Contact AnnaMarie.Walker@mail.state.ky.us, for additional information or to sign up; or phone 1/888/592-7238. ext. 4815.

NEW SERVICES ADDED To The Market 2003

Two new services have been added for exhibitors at The Market. Kinko's Copies will be set up inside the Market's main floor, Thursday through Sunday, to assist exhibitors with copy needs. Adkins' Fire Safety Products, Inc. will be there during Market setup to help exhibitors meet fire marshal booth regulations.

Market Posters

Market Posters requested by juried participants have been mailed, so be watching for their arrival. Thank you for your help with advertising for The Market 2003.

The Official 2003 Market Program, including floor plan, exhibitors list, and schedule of events, is available ONLINE. Click here to download the printable, 2.11MB file.

Cover Art Needed

The Country Register of Kentucky (published in Anna, Ohio) is looking for artists from Kentucky to provide front-page cover art. The Country Register is free and is distributed bi-monthly. Their distribution is growing and includes all of Kentucky's Interstate Visitor Stations. To find out more about the magazine and how to submit artwork, call co-editor Cindy McKee at 1-877-856-2200.

2003 Glass Art Society Conference
Seattle, Washington June 12 - 15, 2003.

Six Collectors Tours will provide exclusive opportunities to visit artists' studios and various private collections. The Conference Auction, on Saturday, June 14, at 4 p.m. provides a marvelous opportunity to purchase glass artworks at very low prices. The Annual G.A.S. International Student Exhibition provides an inspiring preview of the work of glass stars of tomorrow (these artworks are also available for purchase, directly from the artists). Forty-five glass exhibitions are planned to take place during the conference. One hundred twenty-four speakers, panelists, and demonstrators are included in the Conference program. Dale Chihuly will receive the G.A.S. Lifetime Achievement Award for 2003. If you register by April 1, you could be selected to receive a FREE cruise to Alaska on Holland America's m/s Volendam.

To see a complete listing of programs and events, log on to www.glassart.org, or Contact the Glass Art Society at:

1305 4th Ave. #711
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 382-1305
Email: pberk@glassart.org

Call to Artists for "Arts on the Green"

The Oldham County Arts Association needs artisans to exhibit their juried fine art and craft at "Arts on the Green," May 31 - June 1, 2003, on the picturesque lawns of Oldham County Courthouse Square in downtown LaGrange, Kentucky. Awards include Best of Show, Best Booth, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for three categories. Please contact Donna Miller, Show Coordinator, at 1-502-222-7383

KET's" Kentucky Life" Program

The "Kentucky Life" show visits Estill County and explores how this county has led the way in revitalizing a rural community through the arts. Sat., Feb. 8, at 8:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 9, at 4:30 p.m. on KET 1.

THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE ARTS Presents

"Access by Design…III" March 5th, 2003, 2-3:30 p.m. A workshop addressing accessibility issues, as they apply to artists working in schools, community centers, theatres, auditoriums, and other artistic environments. Contact:

Stacy Ridgway
Access Coordinator
Fax: (502)562-0180
Phone: (502)562-0111(V) 502/562-0140 (TTY)
Email: sridgway@kentuckycenter.org

It's ALMOST HERE!

Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003
"We Got It Made In Kentucky"
Feb. 27-March 3, 2002

Spread the Word!

Contact information listed here is correct as of February 2003.

If you would like your information included in a future issue of the Newsliner for Juried Participants, please e-mail: Beau.Haddock@ky.gov