Historical Overview

Chartered in 1956, the Louisville Artisans Guild is Kentucky's oldest guild dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in arts and crafts. Just as developing any great work of art begins with an idea or inspiration, for the Guild it all started as a small group of local-area craftsmen meeting at a local bar sensing the need to share their successes and frustrations at pursuing a career in the visual arts.

Founded under the name "Louisville Craftsmen's Guild" the intent was simply to have a venue for members to discuss their craft and the business concerns of selling. It has since grown into a membership group consisting of artists, craftsmen, educators, collectors, students and many others in the Louisville Metro area.

In 2002 the Guild updated its name to "The Louisville Artisans Guild" to reflect the broader membership base and its commitment to both practicing and supporting roles in the visual arts. The Guild continues its tradition of conducting regular meetings (though not in the aforementioned bar!) not only to discuss their recent endeavors, but also to host guest artists and business consultants to share their insights and observations.

Please click HERE to become a member.

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

JURIED FINE ARTS & CRAFTS ART SHOW:

The Guild sponsors and promotes an annual “Fine Arts & Crafts Showcase" for its juried members the first Saturday and Sunday of November. The popular fair has been successful in providing an opportunity for our members to exhibit and sell their work to the community. In addition to the booths the Guild conducts a public raffle of artwork created by Guild members with proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund .
Applications are being accepted for the show now.

Click HERE to download Showcase application

ANNUAL EXHIBIT AT A LOCAL GALLERY:

Since 1973 we host an Annual Exhibit show open to all active members of the Louisville Artisans Guild, both juried and non-juried. This exhibit allows our members to show off their best work in a local gallery for a month. Members keep 100% of the sale. The show is open to the public and cash prizes are awarded in several categories. An outside judge reviews and selects all work submitted for the show.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY:

In late winter we host a party to say thanks to everyone who has helped make another year great.

ANNUAL PICNIC:

Through the Guild, members are able to enjoy the fellowship of other area artists and craftspeople. There are a variety of educational events for Guild members. To help expand our knowledge of how others create their work topics for general membership

GENERAL MEETINGS:

Our members meet up every few months to learn new skills, trade tips and tricks, visit another artists studio, or learn from a guest speaker. It’s FREE and included with your membership.

NEWSLETTER:

As a current member, you’ll receive our members only newsletter with upcoming show information, items for sale, and LAG events. Have you received an award? Email us and we’ll put it in our newsletter.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Volunteer to help out a committee member: scholarship, jury, showcase, or become a member at large.
• Be a booth sitter at our annual art show
• Have a favorite dish? Bring it to one of our events.
• Have an idea for a great speaker? Email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Would you love to show off your studio space? Let us know.
• Do you have a skill you’d like to teach? Bookkeeping, packaging and shipping, how to photograph your work, or any tips you’ve learned along the way could be great topics for a meeting. We’d love to host if you’re willing to teach.