OUR HISTORY & MISSION

WHY DID WE FORM THE SHELTOWEE ARTISANS GUILD?

In 1994 a small group of artists decided it was time to form an active friendly guild in our lovely community of Somerset, Kentucky. It has now become the Sheltowee artisans nonprofit corporation tax exempt 501 (c) (3). Because the beauty of our area is often a theme in our work we call ourselves the "Sheltowee Artisans" after the 343 mile historic hiking trail, the Sheltowee Trace, that meanders through our region. From an original small group of artists yearning for interaction, the Sheltowee artisans have now grown into a 125+ member strong force.

WHO ARE WE AND WHERE ARE WE BASED?

We are a nonprofit collective of artists working to promote the arts and art education in Southeastern Kentucky. It was important from the beginning of our concept to support one another and amplify our community's awareness of the value and quality of fine handcrafted work. Our growth and enthusiasm as a group allows us to reach further into business partnerships within our community, and establish venues for our work.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUR WORK?

We are involved at present with two regional art and craft fairs in Somerset, KY: one at our Center for Rural Development in November and one with the nationally acclaimed Master Musician's Festival in July. Reaching out to the public, we generally hold individual jury sessions as needed for new members and offer educational workshops on professional art-related subjects. We also like to partner with other regional art and craft fairs like the Berea Craft Fair (held in July), the Kentucky Guild of Artist an Craftsman in October in Berea, KY, and the Lake Cumberland Farmer’s Market in Somerset, KY (May-October). Many of our members also sell online. Please see our artist directory for a full list of active members.