Volunteers needed

The Appalachian Artisan Center is currently looking for volunteers! Love art? Love the joy of volunteering? If so, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Or, fill out the application provided below and drop off at the Center or mail to PO Box 833 Hindman, KY 41822.

Volunteer Application

We need YOU to support LOCAL art!

Dear friends,

Even in these difficult times, there is hope for the future of eastern Kentucky. Building on our arts heritage, the Appalachian Artisan Center is leading the way for people to become self-sufficient. A project that began as a vision for community development over a decade ago is being realized at the AAC, one-step at a time. We are dedicated to supporting our local artists by helping them create and expand their own small businesses. This is only possible with the support of people like you!

Here are some examples of how your donations are used:

§ $100 allows us to host a gallery opening for an exhibiting artist

§ $250 pays 1 month studio rent for an artist in our Studios Program

§ $500 allows an artist to attend a regional art and craft fair to sell their work

§ $1,000 buys an artist a 3 month scholarship in our Studios Program

§ $2,500 pays for one day of the Appalachian Folk Arts Camp for Kids

§ $5,000 pays for our Annual Artist Gathering, 2 days of workshops and networking

§ $10,000 enables us to provide studio space and housing for 1 Master Artist-in-Residence

§ $25,000 pays the salary for a Master Artist in residence for 1 year.Kevin Blomenkamp, Master Artist-in-Residence says, “Since relocating to Hindman from St. Louis, Missouri a year ago, I have been able to create a career doing what I love to do with a surprising amount of success. I owe that to the support of the Appalachian Artisan Center and the encouragement from the local community. The AAC has provided me with many necessary tools to confidently establish and nurture a blossoming business. The existence of an organization like the Appalachian Artisan Center is proof that eastern Kentucky cares about the quality of their community. That makes me proud to be a Resident Artist.”

We currently serve almost 200 artists from 49 Kentucky Appalachian counties in our retail Shop and provide studio space for up to nine artists in our Studios program. By 2011, renovation will be complete on a third building that will house additional artist studios giving 30 more artists a chance to enhance their skills and develop their businesses. Learn more about who we are and what we do on our website!

To continue to make these great strides, we need your support. Make your tax deductible donation online today! With Best Regards,

Dennis Dorton
Chair, Appalachian Artisan Center

Kentucky Arts Councils Grant

Kentucky Arts PartnershipThe Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports The Appalachian Artisan Center with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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http://artscouncil.ky.gov/

Mike Ware: 30 Years of Pottery

The Appalachian Artisan Center is seeking pottery made by local potter Mike Ware for a special upcoming exhibit. We plan to highlight his 30 years of ceramics with a collection of his work and photographs. If you or someone you know has any of his work you would be willing to loan us for the months of October, November and December 2009 it would be much appreciated. You will receive personal credit for your loan by having a tag by the item with your name as the loaner. This will be wonderful exhibit and we hope you will help us by sharing your Mike Ware pottery for others to enjoy. All items will need to be delivered to the Center no later than September 28^th. For more information contact Amanda Combs at 606-785-9855 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The Appalachian Artisan Center is hosting an exhibit called Mike Ware: 30 Years of Pottery during the months of October, November and December 2009. Michael’s work throughout the years will be on display in addition to photographs and other memorabilia. A reception will be held on Friday, November 13^th from 5-7 pm. Michael Ware was born and raised in Sunbury, PA, and attended school in nearby Lancaster. He received his BS in Art Education from Millersville State University. Michael came to Kentucky to attend Morehead State University and received a Masters in Studio Arts in 1974. Upon graduating, he accepted a teaching opportunity at the Hindman Settlement School in Eastern Kentucky, where he oversaw the operation of the clay studio at the school. In addition, Michael taught art to levels K-12 in both Knott and Letcher counties from 1975-1991. After a year off from public school teaching, he joined the faculty at nearby Alice Lloyd College in 1992, where he now teaches art for the school’s education majors as well as classes in the humanities. He is on the Advisory Board of the Appalachian Artisan Center and is very involved in the workshops and planning for Center. Michael creates his pottery on a potter’s wheel from stoneware clays. He often decorates his forms with images such as dogwood flowers, influenced by the woods near his home. Michael’s pottery can regularly be found at the Appalachian Artisan Center, Marie Stewart Craft Shop and Alice Lloyd College bookstore.

New Executive Director

Appalachian Artisan Center Hires New Executive DirectorHindman, KY – July 20, 2009

The Appalachian Artisan Center announces today the appointment of its new Executive Director. Tricia Watts of Hazard joined the AAC staff on July 16, 2009. Tricia brings to the position over 20 years of small business experience and a great love of the arts. With her boundless energy and enthusiasm, she will be just what the Center needs as we continue to grow and develop. Dennis Dorton, AAC Board of Directors Chairperson says, “We are extremely pleased to have someone with a strong business background during these tough economic times. Tricia also has the ability to fund raise and friend raise for the Appalachian Artisan Center”.

The Appalachian Artisan Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the artisan-based sector through education, business development and support services for artists. We are dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Appalachia. The Artisan Center Shop provides a unique place for artists to sell their work, as well as a Café offering local and regional favorites.

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