Art enthusiasts in search of a masterpiece may find it this weekend at the 16th Annual Sheltowee Art Fair held November 13th – 15th at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

Sheltowee Artisans, the first juried arts guild in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, hosts the annual art fair.

Named for the nickname Native Americans gave Daniel Boone, “Sheltowee,” which means Big Turtle, the artisan guild uses a turtle as its logo which has come to represent the standard for fine arts and crafts made and sold in the region.

 “More than 50 fine artists and craftsmen of the region, will display their work for sale at our annual art fair,” said Sheltowee Artisans founding member Jamison Brumm. “We will host artists who create 2-D art, baskets, clothing, furniture, glass, gourds, instruments, jewelry, metal work, paper, pottery, quilts, wood products, and photography.”

Local photographer, Kim Graham, a Sheltowee Artisan, will feature her nature photography at the event.

“I’m inspired by nature and enjoy sharing my love for the outdoors through photography,” said Graham. “Every day is an adventure whether I step out my back door or hike a trail to a beautiful vista to capture a moment in time with my camera.”

Sheltowee Artisans formed a guild in 1994 to build a friendly arts community and to encourage superior craftsmanship, consistent quality, and professional presentation of work.

Based in the Carnegie Community Center in Somerset, formerly Pulaski County Library, the guild strives to foster the creative spirit by nurturing and promoting the arts of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

This year, special features of the art fair include five craftsmen demonstrating their skills and talent.

Janet Kliment and Jeanne Burkhart will be hooking rugs and sewing and Joe Scott will show how he makes non-toxic wood toys with a scroll saw.

Basket weaving will be demonstrated by Jody Epperson, quilting by Carrie Altmaier, folk art decorating by Dale Crockett and painting by Sue Burkett.

Brumm said the guild is also highlighting green businesses among their members with special signs for artists who craft with recycled, renewable and/or sustainable materials and whose processes and studios are earth friendly.

In addition to Sheltowee members, the fair will host artists from around the state including eastern Kentucky artists who are members of the Kentucky Appalachian Arts Council.

These artists bring to the fair the rich traditional Appalachian crafts the council helps to promote and preserve.

The Sheltowee Art Fair is held at the Center for Rural Development, light #15, Hwy 27, Somerset. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.

Hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday, November 13; 10a.m.-6p.m. Saturday, November 14; 12-5p.m. Sunday, November 15. For directions call 606-677-6000. For more information on the Sheltowee Artisans, call 606-875-5264 or visit www.sheltoweeart.com.