The library exists for many reasons, and one is to encourage and inspire creativity. In an effort to promote creative endeavors as well, the Warren County Public Library is thrilled to host another Makers Market at the Bob Kirby Branch Library this month. This event is particularly exciting, as it will be the first to feature the addition of local wordsmiths! The market, christened “Locally Made: Authors and Makers of Kentucky,” will showcase the work of local artisans, crafters, illustrators, and authors and will be open to the public Saturday, April 27, from 10am until 4pm.
The number of applicants we received this year was phenomenal, so we will be creating additional room to accommodate a greater number of creators, expanding the experience to be both inside and out. Shoppers will get to browse an impressive selection of books and handmade wares inside the branch as well as outside under a spacious tented area. Display booths will be spread throughout the branch, including in the meeting rooms, the Idea Lab, the program room, and the lobby, so if you’ve not yet visited the Kirby Branch, you’re in for a treat!
Craftmaking has a long tradition in Kentucky. When early pioneers worked to create things they needed, they also crafted items as expressions of their creativity. Many of those practices have been passed down through time and have a strong presence in our cultural heritage. While some makers’ products fall in the traditional categories, like fiber work, woodwork, painting and pottery, some of the techniques and products have been aided by modern-day technologies.
The creative talents of the makers currently on the schedule cover a wide range of product types, including jewelry, canvas art, ceramics, wood products, miniatures, 3-D prints, papercraft, crochet and quilted items, soaps, candles, and various food items. Whether you’re shopping to treat yourself or looking for a special gift item, there will be much to choose from. As a special treat, there will be FREE canvas totes available to the first 400 attendees to make shopping easier and more fun!
Writing is a time-honored craft, as well. With the addition of self-publishing and independent presses, more aspiring writers and illustrators have been able to see their work come to life in a published format. At this event, they will be able to share those stories more widely with the public as well as connect with fellow authors in the process.
As of the writing of this article, there are between 25 and 30 authors confirmed to attend (with more than 50 confirmed makers on the schedule). While some authors may be familiar to readers, like YA author Molly McCaffrey (aka M Hendrix, The Chaperone) who has been featured at several author talks at the library, many may be new. There will be authors of books for children, teens, and adults showcasing books that are either self-published, printed through an independent press, or distributed by a mainstream publication house. One book that sounds particularly interesting for families is Perfect Day Kentucky: Day Trips, Weekend Getaways and other Escapes by Kathryn Witt. All have unique stories to tell in a variety of genres and will be happy to share them!
Shoppers should also arrive with a bit of an appetite, as the day’s food truck options will provide opportunities for either a delicious meal or a delightful snack! Menu options from Taste of Europe, Taquiera La Pleba, the Pie Queen, and BG Shakery are sure to be crowd pleasers.
There is no fee to attend the market, but there will be plenty of wonderful opportunities to make purchases. To stay current with updates and specific vendor information, follow the library’s “Locally Made” event page on Facebook (https://fb.me/e/44DtW5QBz). There we will share information on a regular basis, including details about how you can win a “Locally Made” gift basket by helping us promote the event. Those giveaway details will be announced the second week of the month, and the winner will be announced the day of the market, so follow the event page if you’d like a chance to win!
-by Ashley Fowlkes
