Project Summary

This project documents the origins of the craft industry in Eastern Kentucky and that of the various organizations that have had, and continue to have, a significant impact on the industry and crafters. More particularly, interviewees discuss the diverse ways in which they have come to be involved with the Kentucky craft industry, the nature and challenges of their particular trades, and the personal, financial, and structural challenges that they have faced, and continue to face, as members of, or leaders in, respective Kentucky craft organizations. The specific nature of the educational and economic support offered by various organizations is also discussed. Other topics include family life in the craft industry, family economy in the craft industry, ecommerce in the craft industry, and the older crafters? understandings of the differences between older and newer generations of crafters.