FRANKFORT, Ky -The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) recently named Kentucky Crafted: The Market as one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast for Winter 2008. Every quarter, the Atlanta-based organization selects 20 of the top events for each month and publishes them in over 300 newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations as well as 125 AAA publications. Dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in its member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, the STS recognizes the many unique and diverse events in the southeastern region. 

            For twenty-six years Kentucky Crafted: The Market has provided a place for Kentucky craft artists to come together with retail buyers from across the nation. Featuring some of the newest craft items available on the market, this state-sponsored trade show promotes Kentucky culture and generates millions of dollars in revenue. Over 300 exhibitors of fine traditional, folk and contemporary visual art, books, musical recordings, and food products are expected to participate in the 2008 Market.

            On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 2008 the Market will be open to the public at the Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing B, in Louisville. Special activities this year include the “Designer Showcase” featuring Kentucky-made products for the home in a display created by University of Kentucky College of Design students; the exhibit “Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers”; and the “Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Product Showcase,” featuring handmade merchandise related to Lincoln and reproductions of authentic crafts made during Lincoln’s time.

            For more information about Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2008 and to receive $1-off-admission coupons, go to www.kycraft.ky.gov or call toll-free 888-833-2787.

 

Kentucky Crafted: The Market  2008

Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing B, Louisville, Ky.

 

Trade Only Days (Registration Required)

Thursday, March 6, 2008   3:00 – 7:00 p.m. (EST)

Friday, March 7, 2008   9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (EST)

 

Public Days

Saturday, March 8, 2008   9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (EST)

Sunday, March 9, 2008 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Adults $8 (Children 15 and under free), Parking $5

 

Kentucky Crafted: The Market is produced by the Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, in the Commerce Cabinet that creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Funding for the Kentucky Arts Council is provided by the Kentucky State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

 

 

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The Kentucky Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.