(Frankfort, Ky.) -- The Kentucky Craft Marketing Program and the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design, in partnership with Somerset Community College, with special assistance from the Sheltowee Artisans, will present "Outside the Lines: New Frontiers for Kentucky Artists," a product development workshop weekend at Somerset Community College, Somerset, Kentucky, July 25-26, 2003.

During this two-day workshop, artists will have the opportunity to learn from state and nationally-recognized presenters who will instruct on the following topics: incorporating trends in the marketplace; making artists' products and businesses more profitable; utilizing available resources; working smart in the studio; and servicing the tourism industry. Advanced, and new artists, will also be able to attend sessions on pricing, computer-aided design/machinery (CAD/CAM), licensing, and copyright.

Presenters include Keith Recker of New York, formerly of Aid to Artisans, who is assisting the Program with product development; Curt Benzle from Ohio, who will be working with the more advanced artists on production strategies vs. pricing; Gabriel Romeu from Pennsylvania, who will conduct the CAD/CAM workshops; Bruce Baker from Vermont, a nationally known speaker and jeweler/retailer, and Toni Sikes from Wisconsin and publisher of The Guild.Com.

In-state presenters include Tim Vickers from the Kentucky Manufacturing Assistance Corporation; Kyle Citrynell, a copyright attorney from Louisville; and several long-time juried participants of the Craft Marketing Program, who will serve on various panels throughout the workshop. Carole Summers of the Department of Travel will also participate.

The eighth annual Rude Osolnik Award presentation dinner will be held as a special part of the workshop on Friday night, July 25, at the Eagles Nest Country Club. The award honors its namesake, Rude Osolnik, the nationally acclaimed wood turner from Berea, Kentucky, who devoted his life to the development of his craft and teaching. This prestigious award recognizes artists for their contributions to the craft community, preservation of craft traditions through teaching and sharing, and exemplary workmanship.

For more information on the workshop and to receive a brochure, phone 1/888/592-7238, ext. 4815; local call, 502/564-3757, ext. 4815; or email AnnaMarie.Walker@mail.state.ky.us.

The brochure will be available on this website soon, accessible from the Home Page.

About the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design
The Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 as the Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation. Its mission is to promote excellence in the art and craft heritage of Kentucky, and to support artists and educate the public through programming and exhibits. The Museum is supported in part by the Fund for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency of the Education, Arts and Humanities Cabinet. It is located at 715 W. Main St. in downtown Louisville, and regular Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, or by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, please log on to www.KentuckyArts.org or call (502) 589-0102.

About the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program
The Craft Marketing Program's mission is to expand 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. It is a division of the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency, in the Education, Arts, and Humanities Cabinet. The Program provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, and groups wanting to develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, to other outside entities (i.e., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government agencies), and the general public.

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