Events Archives - Kentucky Arts Council

Kentucky Crafted Market Returns to Lexington March 6-8

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) The Kentucky Crafted Market will return to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, March 6-8. This year, more than 120 of the commonwealth’s finest artists and craftspeople will participate in Kentucky’s premier showcase of arts and crafts. “Every year, the Kentucky Crafted Market brings people together to celebrate … Continued

Kentucky Arts Council Issues Warning About Vendor Application Scams

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2026) – The Kentucky Arts Council is warning the public and artists about fraudulent social media posts and messages falsely claiming to accept vendor applications for the Kentucky Crafted Market. The Kentucky Crafted Market does not accept vendor applications through social media comments, direct messages, third-party websites or unsolicited emails. Participation … Continued

Wholesale buyer registration is still open, but space is limited

There is still time for wholesale buyers to register for the Kentucky Crafted Market, and this year’s event offers even more reasons to attend. Wholesale buyers’ day will be held Friday, March 6, from 10 am to 5 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. In addition to a strong roster of returning Kentucky Crafted … Continued

Volunteers needed for the 2026 Kentucky Crafted Market

The Kentucky Crafted Market returns to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 6–8, 2026, celebrating the work of more than 120 of Kentucky’s finest artists and craftspeople. In addition to shopping, the Market features live music, artist demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Volunteers play a vital role in making the … Continued

2026 Poetry Out Loud State Championship Scheduled for Feb. 12

Students compete as part of national arts education event at Farish Theater in Fayette County FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2026) – The Kentucky Arts Council will host the 2026 Kentucky Poetry Out Loud State Championship on Feb. 12, 2026. This year’s event will begin at 10:30 a.m. EST at the Farish Theater at the Lexington … Continued

Kentucky Crafted Market: an invitation to wholesale buyers

Dear Wholesale Buyer, We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Kentucky Crafted Market, the premier wholesale buying event for Kentucky-made art, craft and specialty products. This year’s wholesale buyer’s day will take place March 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Crafted Market … Continued

Celebrating the Black Experience Art Exhibit Launches Kentucky Tour

The Kentucky Arts Council launched the Celebrating the Black Experience touring art exhibit this month. The fourth annual exhibit, presented by the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), includes artists from all over Kentucky, and some from Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida and Zimbabwe. Media includes fiber art, wood sculpture, textiles, copper, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, and mixed media work with innovative … Continued

Governor’s Derby Exhibit is now open!

The 2025 Governor’s Derby Exhibit is now open in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. The work of 44 artists from across Kentucky, curated by the Kentucky Arts Council, will be on display through May 29. The exhibit, which carries the theme “Spring is Here,” opened April 30. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. … Continued

Writers’ Day Activities to take place April 24

The public is invited to attend the 2025 Writers’ Day activities in Frankfort on April 24. Kentucky Writers’ Day is an annual celebration on or around the birthday of Kentucky writer Robert Penn Warren, the first United States Poet Laureate. The Writers’ Day celebration was established in 1990, and poets laureate are inducted in odd-numbered years. This year’s … Continued

Accepting artwork for the Governor’s Derby Exhibit

Theme: “Spring is Here!” Exhibit runs from April 30 – May 2 The Kentucky Arts Council invites all Kentucky visual artists to submit work for consideration in the upcoming Governor’s Derby Exhibit April 30-May 29, 2025. The works selected for the exhibit will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda, and available for viewing by … Continued

Experience Kentucky’s Rich Traditions at the Kentucky Crafted Market!

Join us for the Kentucky Crafted Market on March 8 and 9 at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena, where some of Kentucky’s finest artists will showcase their work. While you explore incredible handcrafted goods, be sure to visit the Folklife Zone — a unique space where tradition bearers will demonstrate the artistry woven into … Continued

Join the Fun! Hands-On Activities at the Kentucky Crafted Market

Experience Free, Fun, and Family-Friendly Activities! Join us at the Kentucky Crafted Market on March 8 & 9 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena for an exciting day featuring prestigious Kentucky Crafted artists and a hands-on activity area filled with creativity, learning, and fun for all ages. Explore engaging activities from these fantastic organizations: … Continued

Register now for Wholesale Buyers’ Day

Feb 18, 2025 There is still time to register for the 2025 Kentucky Crafted Market Wholesale Buyers’ Day! Join the finest retailers and galleries from across the nation to explore the prestigious Kentucky Crafted brand. The Market will be open exclusively to wholesale buyers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7, at … Continued

Kentucky Crafted Market returns to Kentucky Horse Park in March

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2025) – The Kentucky Crafted Market will return March 7-9 to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena in Lexington. This New Kentucky Home experience showcases the commonwealth’s vibrant artistic community, featuring Kentucky’s top visual and craft artists. “The Kentucky Crafted Market not only highlights our talented artists but also supports local … Continued

Visit the Market Stage!

The Market Stage at the Kentucky Crafted Market is home to live music by some of the commonwealth’s most exciting performers. Selected in recognition of their artistic excellence, all of the stage performers are part of the Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Artists Directory. All members of the directory have been chosen by a panel of … Continued

Volunteers Needed for The Kentucky Crafted Market 2025

The Kentucky Crafted Market is returning to the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena in 2025, with live music, demonstrations and hands-on activities rounding out this opportunity to buy from Kentucky’s finest artists and craftspeople. It takes many hands to produce a large-scale, successful event of this kind. Volunteers are needed from Thursday, March 6, through Sunday, … Continued

Buyers can now register for the Kentucky Crafted Market

The Kentucky Crafted Market is back, and wholesale buyers are invited to attend the 2025 show.