Interview with Judy Sizemore, July 6, 2010

Interview Summary

Sizemore talks about her background with the Kentucky Arts Council and her transition from an artist-in-residence to becoming a more committed member. Sizemore discusses the ways that, institutionally, the Kentucky Crafted program influences the arts and craft industry in Kentucky. She talks about the factors that encourage artists to conform their work to the standards of the Kentucky Crafted jury in order to be accepted. She also notes the contributions of the Kentucky Folk Life program, which she describes as offering a more traditional and authentic model than the Kentucky Crafted program. Sizemore discusses the importance of artists having the Kentucky Arts Council brand on their goods, and why they want to get approved by the Council and get the brand. She discusses the issues that some artists have had with the Kentucky Arts Council and the Craft Marketing program. Sizemore discusses the role of craft co-operatives as a method of organizing and uniting artists and crafters. She discusses the problems that the Appalachian Artisan Center has in regards to attracting support from both tourists and artists. She notes the problems of extreme mining in the Appalachian region in terms of economics, environment, and culture.

Interview Keyword

Appalachian Artisan Center (Hindman, Ky.) Appalachian Region, Southern--Social life and customs. Craft festivals. David Appalachian Crafts Kentucky Arts Council Kentucky Crafted program Kentucky Folk Life program Mountaintop removal mining--Appalachian Region. Mountaintop removal mining--Environmental aspects--Appalachian Region, Southern. Mountaintop removal mining--Social aspects--Appalachian Region. Regionalism and the arts.

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Artists and their art Arts and crafts movement--United States Handicraft--Appalachian Region Handicraft--Kentucky Sizemore, Judy, 1948- --Interviews Sizemore, Judy, 1948- Arts and crafts Artists

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.