New to the NYIGF

Robbie Moriarty, Louisville

Frankfort, Ky.-- In keeping with a long-standing tradition, five Kentucky Crafted businesses exhibited at the New York International Gift Fair, Jacob Javits Convention Center, January 20-24th, 2002. For the 18th year, the Kentucky Craft Marketing booth, 5304/5403, showcased five Kentucky exhibitors in the Handmade division.

New to the Kentucky Craft Marketing booth is Robbie Moriarty Collages, Louisville. Robbie is no stranger to large shows and has attended the Rosen Show in Philadelphia. Her whimsical metal works feature jewelry made from brass, beads, and found objects.

After taking several years off from the show, Martha J's, Lexington, returned to the NYIGF. This wood products business displays country folk decorative accessories and contemporary clocks. Three returning exhibitors are; Clay House Pots, (ceramics), offering contemporary functional and decorative items, Louisville; Judy's Kentucky Crafts, (fiber), marketing bears made from old quilts and coats, Tollesboro; and Gail Cohen Designs, (fiber), batik clothing and accessories, Lexington. Gail introduced a new line of colorful scrubs clothing for this show.

"The NYIGF is the largest gift and decorative accessories show in the United States. We have experienced as many as 45,000 buyers and 3,500 exhibitors at previous fairs, at the Javits Center, the Pavillion and the Pier," said Kate Doyle, public relations department, George Little Management.

"Aside from allowing Kentucky 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," said Program Director, Fran Redmon.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market, 2002, "A Cultural Showcase of Kentucky's Finest," is a wholesale/ retail market featuring over 300 exhibitors of traditional, folk and contemporary crafts, food products, musical recordings, and books. The 2002 Market will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and record numbers are anticipated.

The Market is February 28- March 1st for Trade, and March 2-3 for the public. It will be held in South Wing A of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

Contact Information for the Craft Marketing Program Juried Participants who marketed at the NYIGF this year:

Clay House Pots
Amy Elswick
3007 Brownsboro Road Louisville, KY 40206
(502)893-0888
(Ceramics) Contemporary functional & decorative items

Judy's Kentucky Crafts
Judy and Gordy Geagley
Rt. 1, Box 90A Tollesboro KY 41189
(606)798-3901
(Fiber) Bears made from old quilts & old coats

Gail Cohen Designs
Gail Cohen
309 Cassidy Avenue
Lexington, KY 40502
(859)269-5724
(Fiber)Batik clothing & accessories

Martha, Roma, & Brack Davis
3437 W. Edgebrook Drive
Lexington, KY 40515
(859)268-2453
(Wood)Country folk decorative accessories & contemporary clocks

Robbie Moriarty Collages
Robbie Moriarty
618 Harris Place
Louisville, KY 40222-6706
(502)423-1819
(Metal) Whimsical jewelry made from brass, beads, & found objects.

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The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program is a state agency in the Kentucky Arts Council, Education, Arts & Humanities Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky.

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.