About This Site... 

      The Kentucky Crafts Encyclopedia (KCE) is under constant development by folklorist Thomas A. Adler, Ph.D., of Lexington, Kentucky.   He can be reached at: banjotom47@gmail.com, and he welcomes all comments and suggestions.  

Thomas A. Adler, Ph.D.

2221 Mangrove Drive

Lexington, KY 40513

(859) 296-5681  (landline)

(859) 475-6225  (cell)    

NOTE WELL:  All underlined text entries on this site, regardless of color, are "clickable" links!

Thousands of people in Kentucky produce "CRAFTS," though definitions of that term vary widely.  


As a verb, "crafting" is nearly equivalent to "making."  Yet the historic and connotational meanings of "craft"  go much farther...


While the MAIN craft categories in this site are intended to be as complete as possible, it should be understood that the specific links to individual crafters (or companies, institutions, or organizations) can never be complete and comprehensive — there are simply too many, and entries are not provided if they are not online. 

Thatt is: many crafters lack any online presence at all; that is, they may choose to have no websites or other representative links, particularly in such large categories as BASKETRY, CERAMICS, KNIFE-MAKING, WEAVING, or WOOD CRAFTS. A great many "hobbyist" craft-producers are therefore invisible, remaining well below the level of online scrutiny! 


Inclusion of links in this website to individual crafters, makers, or crafting companies should NOT be taken to
imply any special recommendation or endorsement on the part of this site's developer!  


Moreover: links in this site often become useless, when the makers move their information from a dedicated website to conglomerated sites such as Facebook, Etsy, Shopify; or when the crafters cease to practice their craft entirely, due to death, retirement, declining health, or infirmity. 

History: The Kentucky Crafts Encyclopedia began with an idea propounded by the Kentucky Craft History and Education Association (KCHEA).  

Although KCHEA seems to have abandoned or postponed their own plans for an online Kentucky Craft Encyclopedia, this Kentucky Crafts Encyclopedia strives to be similarly inclusive, embracing:


Because of the broad scope of this project, it will proceed in phases and—it is hoped—will involve resources, writers, and advisers from all parts of Kentucky. This work will be based on current and past scholarship and writings about Kentucky crafts, and will also encourage investigation into areas where research has been scarce. 


Donations in support of the Kentucky Crafts Encyclopedia are gratefully accepted! Send your PayPal donation to banjotom47@gmail.com ...

© 2019–2024 Thomas A. Adler