Eight New Artsits Join Kentucky Crafted Program

Louisville printmaker Elizabeth Foley’s work titled “Mandala.” Foley is one of eight Kentucky artists recently adjudicated into the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.

Earlier this year, printmaker Elizabeth Foley retired from a 20-year art teaching career to focus more on her craft. Her new full-time career got a recent boost when she was named among the eight artists added to the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.

Kentucky Crafted is an adjudicated arts marketing assistance program that provides opportunities to Kentucky visual and craft artists through arts business training, networking, sales, exhibit, and promotional opportunities. Adjudicated visual and craft artists are the only eligible Kentucky artists to exhibit at The Kentucky Crafted Market.

Foley, who owns FoleyPrints Studio, worked as a printmaker for about 20 years while she taught and said making the transition from teacher to full-time artist was an adjustment.

“Being associated with Kentucky Crafted will allow me to figure out how to create a business and reach a bigger audience,” said Foley. “I’m looking for this experience to raise my standards and give me a sense of community with other artists.”

Foley said she will also take advantage of the professional development and networking opportunities that come with the Kentucky Crafted brand.

“I’m hoping my work will get seen by communities that might not otherwise see it, and being with this program will push me to the next level to get out there,” Foley said.

The new Kentucky Crafted program artists are:

• John Dixon (Dixon Design), Danville, mixed media
• Elizabeth Foley (FoleyPrints Studio), Louisville, printmaking
• Patricia Grenier (HeartFelt Fleece & Fiber), Cynthiana, fiber
• Brad Holman (Rocky Woodland Forge), Beattyville, metal
• Chao Ma (Three Land Studio), Lexington, painting and graphics
• Gena Mark, Lexington, fiber
• Justine Riley, Mayfield, fiber
• Ted Tarquinio (TLT Photography), Louisville, photography

Applicants to the program must be visual or craft artists who have a well-developed body of work in any medium, full-time residents of Kentucky, and over the age of 18. For more information on the Kentucky Crafted program, contact Dave Blevins at david.blevins@ky.gov or 502-892-3120.