Karen Scates' dulcimer displayed on a songbook.

(Frankfort, Ky.) -- A miniature version of the dulcimer used by acclaimed Kentucky musician Jean Ritchie is available for sale, as a special value-added feature to "Heart and Hands: Musical Instrument Makers of America," a photography exhibition now on display at the Kentucky History Center, Frankfort, through August 3, 2003.

The miniature dulcimer is made by Karen Scates of Woodburn, Kentucky, who attended the opening at the Center. Karen has been a miniature woodworking artist for over twenty years and is a juried member of the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program (KCMP) and Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen.

A product development grant from the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, enabled Karen to develop this special craft, in conjunction with the exhibition. These unique miniatures will be on sale at the History Center gift shop during the exhibition dates and exemplify the product development program that is being implemented by KCMP between retail gift stores and Kentucky artisans.

"I am very grateful for the product development grant that is allowing me to be there for the Smithsonian show. If not for these programs and the support of the state with funding for them, we as artists would be nowhere," says Karen.

Utilizing the latest computer technology to document age-old traditions of craftsmanship, "Heart & Hands" provides audiences with a colorful glimpse of their communities and the nation's musical heritage. "Heart & Hands" is a tribute to the talented individuals who are preserving the skills of the past and carrying the tradition of music making into the future.

Future exhibitions planned at the Kentucky History Center will incorporate KCMP juried artisans' work to compliment themes and encourage visitors to take home a handcrafted gift made by Kentucky artists.

The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a state agency in the Kentucky Arts Council, Education, Arts & Humanities Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), ext. 4817; or visit the Program's site at www.kycraft.ky.gov

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.

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