History

The Appalachian Artisan Center is one of the many components of the Community Development Initiative developed by the people of Knott County in the late 1990’s. The goal of the CDI is to revitalize the economy and improve the quality of life for the Hindman and surrounding communities by utilizing their strongest asset…the area's rich artistic and craft cultural heritage. A heritage still vibrant today as evidenced by the work produced by the region's many artists.

The Appalachian Artisan Center is a non-profit organization and is part of the Knott County Arts and Crafts Foundation. The Center has two full time staff: Stuart Burrill, Executive Director and Amanda Combs, Retail Director. The Center also has two part-time employees: Deborah Mullins, Administrative Assistant and Thomas Dews, Maintenance. There are also nine active board members: Bill Weinberg- Chair, Fran Redmon- vice Chair, Rudean Adams- Treasurer, Mike Mullins- Secretary, Pat Martin Bradley, Tim Glotzbach, Dr. Jay Box, Pat Sutton Bradley, and Jan Stumbo.

The Appalachian Artisan Center opened its doors in December 2001. Occupying what was formerly known as the Young Building. The building was originally built in 1913 and was remodeled for its current use as a gallery. The original sandstone taken from the mountain adjacent to Main Street is still in place on the exterior of the building. Located downtown, it has been home to everything from Young’s Cash Store to a Ben Franklin Five and Dime.

The Artisan Center represents artists from 49 counties of Eastern Kentucky. A quality review process has been developed to jury in artists wishing to sell their work through the gallery. There are currently over 100 juried members. The retail is full of artwork such as jewelry, pottery, woven rugs, books, paintings, photographs, furniture, walking sticks, toys, quilts, baskets and much more. You have to see it all to really appreciate the love and labor that every artist puts into their work. There is also a featured artist every two months to draw special attention to the region's best.

Another focus of the Artisan Center is tourism. Through the beautiful artwork displayed, a positive image of our community is exposed to the guests that come from across the country and throughout the world. This region has much to offer and the Artisan Center attempts to highlight some of those qualities. Tour groups are encouraged to make reservations so that demonstrators can be on hand to show how a traditional type of craft is made.

In September 2006, the Five and Dine Café will open in the Center. Guests can relax in the welcoming atmosphere in hand woven hickory chairs and enjoy coffee, desserts, soups, sandwiches and much more. They can also take advantage of the outdoor patio and seating for dining as well. Conference space is available for meetings, parties and other catered affairs.

The Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Incubator’s first building, opening fall 2006, will house workshops, studios and a small retail shop. In three to four years, there will be 50 studios in the Artisan Incubator’s buildings. This is a great time to get involved with a dynamic and multi-faceted project that is transforming downtown Hindman, Kentucky, into a community rich in arts based business endeavors. The Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Incubator is currently looking for people who want to participate in this exciting endeavor, please help us spread the work. Interested parties should contact Stuart Burrill at [email protected] or (606) 785-9855.