The John James Audubon Museum will present the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen group exhibition, a unique mixed media showcase of talent highlighting 2D and 3D work created by Guild members throughout the Kentucky area.

The exhibit begins with an opening reception on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. and runs through Dec. 4. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Featured work will include paintings, jewelry, photography, textiles, and mixed media pieces, most of which are for sale. Among the participants are two KGAC members who have strong ties to Henderson, photographer Fred Reaves and glass artist Dan Neil Barnes. Also included in the exhibit is the work of Arturo Sandoval, internationally-renowned fiber artist and Professor of Art at the University of Kentucky.

Founded in 1961, the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen (KGAC) is Kentucky’s oldest statewide visual art and craft organization. A leader in the national art and craft movement, it was one of the most active and highly visible organizations promoting national awareness from the 1960s through the 1970s, and has been an integral component in promoting Kentucky’s rich heritage of fostering exceptional visual art and fine craft.

The KGAC “Guild Train”, which ran from 1961 through 1967, introduced hundreds of thousands of young people and adults across Kentucky to the world of art and fine craft. Though the “Guild Train” no longer runs, the historic project was chronicled for posterity in “100 Years of American Craft,” published in “Niche” and “American Style” magazines.

The Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen continues today to be the steward of its mission: “To establish art and craft as a vital influence by promoting excellence through education, collaboration, leadership and service.”

The museum is part of John James Audubon State Park. The park includes a nature center, cottages, campground, hiking trails, 9-hole golf course, picnic shelters and year round programming. The park is located on U.S. 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson, half a mile south of the U.S. 41 bridge over the Ohio River. For information, call 1-270-826-2247.