Good news for “Buy Handmade” junkies like me. The first big arts and craft show of the year, Kentucky Crafted: The Market, opens to the public on Saturday & Sunday at the Kentucky exposition Center, South Wing B. This indoor show, fe
aturing 200 Kentucky Artisans was ranked the #1 Art Show in the country by American Style Magazine readers.
The Kentucky Arts Council does an excellent job in producing this event. Not only will you see fabulous art from Kentucky artisans but you will have the opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s traditional arts of fiddling, banjo playing and basket making. There are childrens’ activities, artist workshops, cooking demonstrations, literary activities including readings by Kentucky’s poets laureate, special exhibits, and narrative stages to explore Kentucky traditions. If you happen to have a fourth grader studying Kentucky history, this is a great place to take them!
One of my favorite parts of the show is the Kentucky Food sampling aisle. Kentucky Proud products are sold and sampled. It’s like a Saturday afternoon at Sam’s on steroids! I guarantee you will find something you want to take home to your family for dinner. Be sure to bring along the cook in the family because the lineup for the cooking demos sound amazing. Here’s a sampling:
Cooking with Honey
Hot Sauce Meets Pecans and Walnuts
Battle of the Barbeque Sauces
Summer Berry Muffins (Blackberries, Ginger and Demerara Sugar)
Salsa Born of Barbeque Sauce
Marshmallow Making
The parking fee $8 and the admission price of $8 (children under 15 are free) is steep for the casual art show stroller. Click here for a $3 off admission price coupon. Well worth the price if you have the need to fill a blank wall or mantel. Unique and one of a kind art pieces make perfect Mother’s Day, Graduation, or wedding presents.
Tip from an art show director- Don’t forget to pick up artists’ business cards in case you want something later. Put those cards with your gift (or re-gift stash) and you won’t ever lose them.
