The Madison County town of Berea has long been a center for working artisans and craftspeople, and recent tourism initiatives—including the construction of the Kentucky Artisan Center, a combination gallery, shop, and performance space—have capitalized on that reputation. But the activities of the Berea Arts Council extend into a variety of other arts disciplines, too.

“We want to provide something beyond the visual arts,” explains Director Gwen Childs (right). “We want to offer song and the spoken word.” To that end, the council has sponsored the Sunday Series of weekly poetry and literature readings at ArtSpace and appearances by writers James Baker Hall, Richard Taylor, Silas House, and Jim Tomilson in addition to visual-art projects like the Hands public art exhibit.

Mixed Media’s 2003 Berea visit also included a talk with Belle Jackson about the activities of the Berea Tourism Center.

The Berea Show

A look at the arts and culture of the Madison County town of Berea. (#603)