Kentucky Handcrafted Treasures

Arts & Crafts Shopping In Kentucky

Beginning with the earliest days of English settlement, handicrafts have been a beloved art form in the Bluegrass State. While many Kentucky arts and crafts are rooted in tradition, others are on the cutting edge of contemporary art. You can find it all on your visit, and even bring home a piece or two as a gift or souvenir.

Berea, known as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky, is home to a thriving community of artisans with shops and studios scattered throughout town. The city’s craft heritage is tied to historic Berea College, the first integrated and coeducational college in the South. Paducah, home to the National Quilt Museum and Lower Town Arts District, has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, one of only nine in the United States. Inspiration awaits visitors to this city’s many vibrant galleries and workshops.

The Kentucky Artisan Center, Appalachian Artisan Center and KMAC Museum all display and sell works of hundreds of Kentucky artisans. Kentucky Arts Council maintains directories of Kentucky Crafted Artists and Retailers that have met the Council’s criteria of artistic excellence and professionalism as judged by independent panels of arts professionals. Plus, handcrafted wares are the centerpiece of many festivals throughout the Commonwealth, large and small.

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Gift of Kentucky

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Give gifts that resonate long after the holiday season.

Among the great joys of gift giving at the holidays is the surprise and delight you bring to all of your friends and family. And this year, you can spread even more merriment with authentic gifts from Kentucky.

Wow them with gifts of the visual and performing arts. Inspire them with distinctive culinary gifts or original stories from Kentucky writers. Fascinate them with museum memberships or one-of-kind crafts from local artisans. Kentucky offers just the perfect gift for that special someone.

Women shopping at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, Kentucky

You’ll find a bounty of handmade treasures at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, as well as art galleries and unique boutiques across the state. Or browse Kentucky Artists Directories provided by the Kentucky Arts Council for great gift options all lovingly made by local creators:

Lexington Philharmonic performance in Kentucky

Kentucky also offers unmatched experiences that create lifetime memories, from horse farms, distillery tours and local restaurants to outdoor adventures and weekend getaways at parks and resorts. Tickets to live performances, museum memberships, music by talented Kentuckians and books by local authors also make great stocking stuffers. More than just a gift, these experiences enrich the lives of those who create them – and receive them. But with so many great choices, how can you possibly choose?

Don’t worry – we got you! Check out this handy list of great Kentucky gift ideas to check everyone off your holiday list. The gift of Kentucky heightens senses, touchs souls, and lives on in the hearts of everyone on your list.

Explore Handcrafted Shopping in Kentucky