For Immediate Release                         CONTACT: Victoria Faoro
July 30, 2003                                                   502-985-5448 or Chris Kellogg
                                                                        502-564-2611

Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea Grand Opening Event

Governor Paul Patton today joined state and local officials cutting a one-of-a-kind hand-woven "ribbon" to open the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.  The "ribbon" was created by internationally known Churchill Weavers and designed so that each guest who made a "cut" may keep a piece that includes the center's logo as a commemoration of the event.

The grand opening was held in front of the 25,000 square foot center that  overlooks I-75 from a 10 acre site.  It is the gateway to the state's many tourism attractions.  Officials from the City of Berea, Berea College, Eastern Kentucky University, four state government cabinets who served on the center's authority board, gathered with Kentucky artisans, authors and musicians who participated in the event.

Governor Patton said that art and crafts made by Kentuckians equals those of any other state in the nation.  "The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea benefits our economy, showcases our abundance of talent and invites visitors from the commonwealth and all over the world to explore what is so special and unique about Kentucky.  We invite everyone to sample our riches located here and travel across the state to discover other areas that offer a wide variety available beyond this gateway."

"The center's double mission as an artisan center and travel oasis will make it an icon for the traveling public," said Tourism Development Secretary Ann R. Latta.  "It will be the place to see and purchase our famous crafts as well as learn about all the other exciting things to see and do in Kentucky."

Design and construction of the center was managed by the state Finance and Administration, Tourism, Transportation and Education Arts and Humanities cabinets and will be managed under the Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet.

The $8.75 million center contains 25,000 square feet and is constructed of native limestone with slate and copper roofing.  Inside the center visitors will see a variety of art and crafts displayed in a gallery area that have been created by Kentucky artisans.  Besides shopping for hand-woven shawls, whimsical garden sculptures, authentic honeysuckle baskets, Kentucky books and music, and special packaged goods in the all-Kentucky gift shop, visitors can dine in the Kentucky Cafe, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Meals served at the cafe are from a carefully chosen menu, using locally grown produce when available and feature Kentucky cuisine, such as fried catfish, Southern fried chicken and a Kentucky Hot Brown.  There is also a grab-and -go menu for a quick snack to take on the road. 

Maps, brochures and information on cultural heritage attractions in Kentucky will also be available in the information center at the front of the building.   Hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.  The center's web site address is http://www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov/.

Myers Jolly Architects of Lexington designed the center and the contractor was D.W. Wilburn, Inc. of Lexington. Interior; the exterior stonework was created by Bobby Cameron Stonemasonry of Brodhead.  The interior art glass panels by Architectural Glass Art, Inc., Louisville.  

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