Frankfort, Kentucky – In recognition of long-term dedication to personal craft development and an exemplary level of accomplishment, five artisan businesses are now designated Kentucky Crafted Emeritus honorees and granted lifetime honorary juried participant status by the Kentucky Craft Marketing, (KCM) a program of the Kentucky Arts Council.
The honorees will be recognized during the 25th Silver Anniversary Market Awards dinner, Friday, March 2, as part of Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2007, at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center, Louisville.
The Kentucky artisan businesses to be honored are as follows: Gastineau Studio, Ken and Sally Gastineau, Berea; J. Wright Pottery, Nancy and Jim Wright, Richmond; Natural Accents, Sharon Chartier Haines, Park City; Audrey Schulz Horses, Audrey Schulz, Louisville; and Cindy Lowy, Louisville.
Nominations were made by juried participants in the Kentucky Craft Marketing. Selections were based on several criteria, including quality of work, juried participant status in the Kentucky Crafted program for ten or more consecutive years, state and national awards or honors, and a significant record of contribution to the craft community in other areas. Honorary members are eligible for all program activities without the need to jury their work, or resubmit new work in future years.
"Kentucky Craft Marketing is proud of its history and the craftspeople who been part of that and we want to recognize those who have contributed to our efforts to promote and develop the state’s craft industry through their long-term and exemplary participation, " said Fran Redmon, Program Director.
Kentucky Craft Marketing is a program of the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), ext. 471, local calls, (502) 564-3757 or visit the Program's site at www.kycraft.ky.gov.
Editors Note: (previous winners listed below)
For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), local (502) 564-3757 or visit our web site at: www.kycraft.ky.gov.
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Since 1981, the Craft Marketing’s purpose 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. The craft industry in Kentucky contributes 252 million dollars in annual sales and Kentucky is recognized as a model state for its craft programs and its role in the $14 billion national craft industry.
PREVIOUS KENTUCKY CRAFTED EMERITUS
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
2006
Jamison Brumm
Martha and Greg Richard
Martha & Roma Davis
2005
James and Deborah Greene
Warren A. May
Marie Hochstrasser
2004
Berea College
Sarah Frederick
Shirley Smith
2003
Sally Cammack
Harriet Giles
David & Donna Glenn
2002
Churchill Weavers
David Appalachian Crafts
Tim Hall
Kentucky Hills Industries
Red Bird Mission Crafts
Mary & Robin Reed
Melvin Rowe
2001
Dorothy Brockman
Lestel & Ollie Childress
Annie Hunt
Jack Johnson
Homer Ledford
Alma Lesch (posthumously)
Rude Osolnik
Emily Wolfson