(Frankfort, Ky.) -- For the eighth consecutive year, the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program sponsored retail shop, gallery owners, and buyers from around the United States to Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003, through the "Fly the Buyer" program. Six buyers were selected from 53 nominations and received complimentary airfare and accommodations to attend The Market. They represented galleries and shops with products ranging from two-dimensional art to fine crafts.

The "Fly the Buyer" guests included booth judge, Lynn Allinger, Craft Company # 6, Rochester, New York; Carolina Creations, New Bern, North Carolina; Abler Art Glass, Keil, Wisconsin; International Product Marketing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dunn Mehler Gallery, Halfmoon, California; and Seasons: The Museum Store, Clarksville, Tennessee.

This project was started as a way for the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program to attract high quality retailers that might not be familiar with the variety and quality of folk, traditional and contemporary craft available at the award-winning four-day wholesale and retail market, which just completed its 22nd successful season. Some of the buyers have gone on to become recipients of the Top Out-of-State and/or Top Retailer Awards, presented at the Market.

"I was favorably impressed by the professionalism of the whole show. I never expected to find such variety in the exhibitors' work. You can consider me a repeat buyer for next year," said Janie McGregor from Seasons: The Museum Store.

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.org.

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.

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