Former Kentucky first lady Phyllis George and Steve Wilson were honored by the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft (formerly the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design) as the stars of its 20th annual Bourbon Ball at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Oct. 1. It was a beautiful celebration of their genius – yes, genius – and hard work, inspiration and perseverance that has helped to bring millions of dollars to Kentucky cottage artisans, millions in state tourism, and untold millions in changing the image of Kentucky from hillbilly to world-class art. In 20 years, the ball itself has earned $3 million and helped many lives.
It began with a cocktail reception and bourbon tasting, silent auction and craftsmen working there in person: wood carving, Joe Offerman; flame working, Bonnie Blincoe; pottery, Judy Riendeau; ceramics, Wayne Ferguson; and wood turning, Andrew Brown. Silent auction items donated by local artists included famous animal carvings by primitive fantasy artist Marvin Finn. Others were Lloyd Kelly, Laura Ross, Arturo Alonzo Sandovall, Suzanne Dougherty and The Hungry Potter. I am listing these artists to show their importance as the heartbeat of the craft industry that Phyllis, Steve, Lois Mateus, Marlene Grissom and Mary Shands started in 1981 during then-Gov. John Y. Brown’s administration
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