Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-05-27)
LEXINGTON, KY
(WEKU) -
Berea has often been called the folk arts and craft capital of Kentucky, but how does the community compare to other crafty cities across the nation? Turns out, pretty well. Berea has ranked number 24 on the list of the top 25 Arts Destinations by the readers of American Style magazine. It's the only Kentucky city to make the roster.To celebrate, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea held a public reception today recognizing the award. Executive Director Victoria Faoro sees the national recognition as a blossoming opportunity.
"New people are going to find out that Berea and Kentucky as a whole is a great destination for people who are interested in finding working artists and quality products. I think one of the things that is particularly unique about Berea and I would say about Kentucky as a whole is that you can come to the state and find things that are actually made in the state and find opportunities to interact with people who are making them," Faoro said.
The Kentucky Artisan Center currently features over 650 works from Kentucky artists and is well known for its local studios, community music, dance activities and quality arts festivals.
Heffner said Berea offers an extensive cultural experience.
"What makes Berea unique is they can come and they can see working studios, they can go to exhibits, they can hear music, you know, they can come to a festival or they can do outdoors stuff," Heffner said.
Heffner said The Artisan Center will continue to promote Berea arts. She predicts the national attention will increase the number of visitors who stop in Berea. © Copyright 2012, WEKU
