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Kentucky Artisan Center Opens Quilt Exhibit

Kentucky Artisan Center

Showcasing quilts from artists across the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea announced its latest exhibit, The Great Kentucky Cover Up, on display now through May 6, 2019 at the Center. The exhibit features work from artists Glenna Blakely, of Harlan, Brenda Plaster, of Lawrenceburg, Janet Serrenho of Lexington, and Karen Witt of Lexington.

The creation of quilts is the result of mankind’s frugality, need for warmth and beauty. Quilted fabrics have been found in China, Europe and numerous other cultures throughout the world. In early American colonial days, fabric came by ship from Europe and was scarce. When cloth wore out, it was folded, cut, altered and used again and again.

Quilting is a process of layering fabric, where a padding or batting is sandwiched in between the fabric layers. This composite is then stitched together, often with a decorative or ornate top to form a quilt.

Quilting requires endless hours of stitching and patchwork quilting developed numerous patterns, especially in the 1700s and in the Southern Appalachians. Quilt patterns were inspired by objects in daily life and often were handed down from one generation to another.

Quilting today has reached the realm of fine art. Contemporary quilters utilize a vast array of fabrics, complicated techniques and often personal narratives to their work. This exhibit includes traditional quilt patterns such as “Lone Star” and “Hunter Star” by Glenna Blakley as well as contemporary themed quilts like “Third Mesa” by Janet Serrenho, which depicts colorful images from the South-west.

The Kentucky Artisan Center features works by more than 800 artisans from more than 100 counties across the Commonwealth. On display in the Center lobby is the exhibit Reveal, large format 2-D works by Sabra L. Crockett, Damon Farmer, Felipe Molina and Robbie Mueller through June 16, 2019.

For more information about events call 859-985-5448.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located at 200 Artisan Way, just off Interstate 75 at Berea Exit 77. The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cafe is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

(provided by Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."