Team Kentucky has accepted 28 new artists into its prestigious Kentucky Crafted program, including Whitley County painter April Schweiss, Laurel County photographer Christian Mansfield, and McCreary County wood and glass artists Stan and Darcy Marohn.
Kentucky Crafted is an initiative that supports visual and craft artists with business training, networking, exhibitions and promotional opportunities to help grow their creative enterprises.
Kentucky Crafted provides artists with access to workshops and professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing marketing and business skills. In addition, the program offers participants the chance to showcase their work at one of the state’s most highly anticipated events: the Kentucky Crafted Market. The annual market will be held March 7-9, 2025, at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena and will feature the finest in Kentucky visual art and craft.
This year’s new members include painters, photographers, woodworkers and ceramicists from 11 counties across the state.
“The Kentucky Crafted application process is rigorous and demanding,” said Kentucky Arts Council Executive Director Chris Cathers. “The application opens in the spring, and artists bring their work to Frankfort for a juried review in the fall. Those who are accepted then undergo professional development and marketing training before the Kentucky Crafted Market in March.”
“Though the application process was challenging, it ultimately deepened my understanding of who I am as an artist,” said Stan Marohn. “For the first time, my wife, Darcy, and I can confidently embrace our identity as artists. With the support of the Kentucky Crafted program, we are excited to continue our artistic journey and seek out new markets for our work. We look forward to growing alongside our fellow artists and sharing our passion with a broader audience.”
