Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: BCA 0178

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is comprised of the Guild of Artists and Craftsmen’s organizational papers—including administration and operational records, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, and reports—and clippings and publications relating to the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. Standards committee papers and information regarding guild events are also included in the collection.

Dates

created: 1964-2001

Creator

Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this material other than federal copyright regulations.

Extent

24.00 ms_boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen (KGAC, also referred to as the Guild) is the oldest statewide visual art and craft organization in Kentucky. The KGAC has introduced thousands of people across Kentucky to the world of art and fine craft and has been leader in the national art and craft movement—especially active in promoting national awareness from the 1960s through the 1970s. The KGAC Art & Craft Fairs, started in the early 1960s, are an integral part of the organization’s mission of finding ways for the public to engage in the arts as well as finding a platform for artists to sell their work.

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged in seven series:

Series 1: Administration & Operations - This series consists of the Guild’s administrative materials including board meeting records, financial statements and various committee paperwork. See also Series 7 for additional administrative papers.

Series 2: Correspondence - This series is comprised of correspondence regarding Guild events, reports, organizational programming and activities.

Series 3: Photographs -This series contains photographs of a Kentucky Guild Craft Fair (date unknown).

Series 4: Printed Matter - This series contains various newsletters published by the guild—such as the Guild Record—as well as magazines & newspaper articles on the Guild’s programs and activities. Event posters are also included in this series.

Series 5: Standards & Judging - Judging and standards committee information and reports as well as artist applications are contained in this series.

Series 6: Events - This series consists of information and records regarding Guild craft fairs from 1968 through 1990.

Series 7: Lester Pross Papers - This series consists of material donated by Lester Pross, founder and first president of the Kentucky Guild of Arts and Craftsmen. Included in his papers are Train Committee information, Guild background records, Board Reports, By-Laws, correspondence, and information on various projects.