Yesterday,
Buddy Dobbins and I went to Lexington to visit
Kentucky Crafted: The Market (KyC:TM), a trade show organized by the
Kentucky Arts Council. The Market is a yearly juried show (two days trade only; two days open to the public) that showcases some of the best of the state's (and immediate region's) art and craft work. Buddy and I were there to scope out the general expectations of KyC:TM and the mix and quality of the work presented. This year was its first year in Lexington. Previously, it's been held at the halls on the State Fairgrounds in Louisville. The show has always been a great collection of artists and craftspeople but I really liked the venue change this year. The
Convention Center in Lexington gave the show a more intimate feel. I felt the total effect of this change for this show that showcases handmade things, was to really help the average person connect with the work produced. One other thing I felt strongly while walking the floor of KyC:TM is Kentucky certainly shares in the quality of work in regions like Asheville, NC. I would like to think with the rich tradition of craft work here, that the Central/Eastern KY is a hidden gem and less well-know rival to Asheville, NC.
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| Functional Work by Crimson Duvall. I own this piece :) |
Buddy and I (and fellow artist Crimson Duvall), are working on applications to get juried into the Kentucky Crafted program and possibly, exhibit at the next KC:TM event. The 2012 Market had a great eclectic mix of artistic talent suitable for retail/wholesale applications. We already have a few friends exhibiting at KyC:TM. I also picked up a few cards while I was at the show for my future purchases. I'm as guilty as the next person when it comes to buying mass produced things for myself and my home as gifts. I as, much as anyone else, need to remind myself of the great, fabulous hand-made things that are out there. Do they cost a little bit more? Yes, often. Is there really a quality difference? YES! By a
landslide and that alone is worth the price of admission. Not everyone can afford to buy everything hand-made and custom-made all the time but it is good to remind yourself to consider a hand-made item for gifts and special occasions at minimum.
I'm rambling on. Here are some links of the vendors whose work I enjoyed yesterday, just a small sampling:
Alley Cat Pottery http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alley-Cat-Pottery/124857910863440
Handmade stuffed animals made from recycled materials www.judygeagelybyhand
Iron forge work www.podsforge.com
Letterpress invitations, postcards, etc. I LOVE letterpress. www.hounddogpress.com
Where science meets art, Resin insect jewelry www.PhbeaD.com
Beautiful feminine pottery www.ameliastamps.com
More pottery... by Megan Sauter http://www.wix.com/megansauter/artist
What can I say, I'm into clay. Another potter :) Nita Claise www.nitaclaise.com
Marianne Brown Pottery www.stamped-clay.com
Amy Elswick www.clayhousepots.com
Laura Ross Studio Clay www.laurarossstudioclay.com
Snug Hollow Farm www.snughollow.com
Pat Banks Watercolors www.patbankswatercolor.com
Moss Hill Bath and Body www.mosshill.net
First time in many, many years I missed it .... and it was in Lexington !!!! Thanks for the links :0)
ReplyDeleteI believe I'll be busy for a while following some links. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Market was really hopping this year! I went on Saturday to attend a workshop and then look around and socialize :) I'm happy that I ran across your website (via Bluegrass Bugaloo). Good luck with your application to the KyC program! I'm going to work my butt off this year and apply next year.
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