Background:
The Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation was established in 1981 by then First Lady of Kentucky Phyllis George. The Foundation's Gallery opened its doors in 1984. The building where the Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery is located dates back to the 1850s and is part of the second largest collection of cast-iron facades in the U.S. (the largest being in the Soho district of New York City). The foundation's facilities include the Shands Gallery, the Downstairs Gallery and the retail sales gallery.

Kinds of crafts sold:
a wide variety of handmade crafts, from traditional baskets and quilts to folk art and contemporary crafts such as jewelry, glass, ceramics and wood. "Our focus is primarily on crafts made in Kentucky, and we are proud of the diversity of work created. It's something our customers really seem to appreciate," says Marcy Werner, director of gallery sales.

Currently looking for:
"We've started a small section featuring works by American craft artists, so we're on the lookout for work that will complement the handcrafted work already being created in Kentucky. Plus, we're always looking for new Kentucky artists who are developing cutting-edge designs and [displaying] expert workmanship."

Prime customers:
Prime customers are ages 30 and above, with incomes of $30,000 and above. "Repeat customers are important to us, so we strive to offer superior customer service. However, we always look for ways to attract new customers. Tourists also appreciate what we have to offer."

Signature crafts:
Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery is known for its Kentucky folk art, baskets, turned-wood bowls and vessels, and a large selection of Churchill Weaver throws.

Exhibitions:
The gallery organizes 10 to 12 exhibitions each year. Half of the exhibitions are thematic in nature; the other six exhibitions are small group shows, providing a more in-depth focus on an individual's work. Exhibitions travel each year within Kentucky and to other states, providing regional and national exposure for Kentucky craft artists. The Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery also organizes at least one national exhibition each year to expose people in this region to craftwork being created elsewhere. The shows are approximately six weeks in length and change every two months. Artists are invited to participate by the director of exhibitions, based on their work and the nature of the exhibition.

Artists are found through:
Representatives from the Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery attend American Craft Council shows to help recruit artists. Sometimes artists will be invited based on publications featuring their work or recommendations from other artists. The gallery's director of exhibitions makes the decision based on the quality of workmanship and design elements. For the retail shop, artists must go through a jury process before their work is accepted.

Pricing:
Prices are usually assigned by the artist with input from the gallery, and generally range from $5 to $5,000.

Purchase/consignment:
The Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery operates on a consignment basis with a 50/50 split.

Best-selling price points:
$40 to $75

GALLERY OWNERS:

Would you like your gallery to be considered for inclusion in Gallery Profiles? If you are looking to attract new artists and new work, and you have professional slides or transparencies of your gallery, send your background information and images to: The Crafts Report attention: Kimberly Geib 300 Water St. Wilmington, DE 19801.

Gallery size:
10,000 square feet

Number of artists currently represented:
approximately 500 to 600

Non-craft items sold:
The only non-craft items sold are books about crafts or Kentucky.

Services offered to customers:
The gallery offers free gift-wrap, free consultations, layaway, corporate gifts and information about artists and products. The staff works with customers on special orders, and the facility can be rented for special events and receptions. A newsletter is published by the foundation three times a year, to educate craftspeople, the public and teachers.

Gallery location:
in the heart of historic Louisville

To submit work to the gallery:
The Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation's standards committee meets four times each year to jury applicants for acceptance into the sales gallery. Interested artists should contact the gallery for more information.

Why selling crafts:
Phyllis George founded the gallery to give Kentucky craftspeople the support they need to market and sell their work. More than 4,000 Kentucky craft artists are assisted through the foundation's programs, including a scholarship program, which enables artists and craftspeople to continue formal instruction and education in their media. Professional development and master craft workshops are held annually to educate Kentucky craftspeople. Marketing and exhibition opportunities are also provided to 600 Kentucky craft artists through the KACF's retail and exhibition galleries.

Kimberly Geib is editorial assistant of The Crafts Report.

APRIL 2000: TABLE OF CONTENTS