Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen's New Gallery

Wednesday, I drove to Berea, Kentucky to volunteer at the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen's new gallery. According to their website, KGAC was established in 1961, and is "a dynamic membership organization comprised of the finest artists, craftsmen, collectors, galleries, interested individuals and businesses in Kentucky and surrounding states." The Guild works to "preserve and promote the rich heritage and exciting future of art and craft. The KGAC headquarters is located in Berea, Kentucky, officially designated as the "Art and Craft Capital" of Kentucky."

 Log cabin outside the tourism center.

Here are a few of the galleries and shops in the Old Town Artisan Village.

This newly renovated building, located at 116 North Broadway Street, is the first permanent home of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen.

 Enjoy a bit of a virtual tour of the spacious and beautiful gallery:

As you can see, there is a lot to look at - even more gorgeous, high-quality work than I was able to show here. I'm very proud to be a member of this wonderful group of talented professionals.


If you'd like to see more of beautiful Berea, take a look at one of my previous posts, here.

Berea

Friday I 'played hooky' from work (actually, I took a personal day) and drove to Berea, Kentucky for a workshop on Booth Design.  The workshop was free to members of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to get some useful information.  I've been considering, with some trepidation, trying my hand at a craft fair or two.

It was a gorgeous Spring day, so we decided to take a walk across the campus of Berea College.  Even though I'd been to Berea many times to take work to the the Promenade Gallery, I had never taken the time to explore the campus.

                                                             
Berea College is quite unique.  Founded in 1855, it was the first interracial and coeducational college in the south, admitting blacks before slavery was abolished.  Pretty radical for the time, right?  The building in the photos above and below was one of the first, and still has that old, wavy glass they made back then.  I think you may be able to see that in the pictures.

All students attend the college tuition-free, and must work at least 10 hours per week in one of their many enterprises, including the famous Boone Tavern and Berea College Crafts.  Berea College has the largest endowment in the nation, and admits only students who are economically disadvantaged, most coming from Appalachia.
                                                                             

The trees were in bloom and the charming old campus was beautiful.

Berea is known as the Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky.    The photo above shows College Square, where there are many galleries and folk art shops in the lovely old buildings.  There are also lots of art shops and studios in the Old Town Artisan Village section of Berea.

Historic Boone Tavern and Hotel is also on College Square.   Most of the workers here are college students.

The Promenade Gallery, where my work is for sale, is located adjacent to the College Square at 204 Center Street.  Kathy West, the owner, is a really great person who does a lot to promote the arts and artists of Kentucky.   Please stop in if you're ever in Berea.  I hope you've enjoyed the tour!

 Okay, now back to that craft fair thing.  I'd so appreciate any help, advice, information, or insights about doing craft fairs that you'd be willing to share.  I have not decided whether or not I want to do this, and the benefit of your experiences would really be helpful.  Thanks!