LONDON — Local artist Corrie Dyer is one of 25 artists from across the commonwealth recently selected for Kentucky Crafted, the Kentucky Arts Council’s adjudicated program that supports visual and craft artists through marketing and promotional opportunities and arts business training.
The 46-year-old became familiar with the Kentucky Crafted program through attending art fairs and seeing the program’s symbol displayed by artists as a mark of quality. Dyer joins more than 360 visual and craft artists in the online Kentucky Crafted Directory.
“I admired the work of these artists, but never felt like I measured up. Last year, another local artist named Richard Adams (who is a Kentucky Crafted artist) urged me to apply because the program has been really helpful to him. To my surprise, I was accepted into the program,” Dyer stated.
Dyer completed an application that included five samples of her work, as well as background information about her experience as an artist.
“The pieces I chose were pen and ink drawings featuring buildings from small towns in Kentucky, arranged in a unique circular format,” Dyer stated.
A jury of artists with the Kentucky Arts Council then reviewed her “Hometown in the Round” artwork and the information she provided before ultimately making their decision to welcome her into the program.
“The selection by a jury of artists is an important validation of my work. Like many artists, I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome, and this recognition gives me a boost of confidence in the work I’m doing,” Dyer explained.
The Kentucky Crafted program will also give her the opportunity to sell art in juried venues that she would otherwise not have access to. For example, Dyer is eligible to exhibit at The Kentucky Crafted Market scheduled for March 9-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena.
Dyer has dabbled in art throughout her entire life. However, she became serious about nature journaling around 10 years ago and used that as a vehicle to practice and elevate her art further.
“I’m excited to keep learning and growing as an artist,” Dyer stated. She has now made art for sale for nearly three years.
In addition to Dyer’s work with pen and ink architectural drawings, she enjoys making custom watercolor house portraits for homeowners and local realtors. Lately, she has been experimenting with abstract designs in both watercolor and acrylic. She also creates custom wall art using rolled magazine pages to make various designs.
“For me, art is very relaxing, a way to slow down time and be present in the moment. I love the process of creating and learning more about what I can do with the medium. I’m drawn to local projects because I want to celebrate the beauty that is all around us in our community,” Dyer explained.
Dyer offers her custom house portraits as well as prints of her Hometown-in-the-Round pen and ink drawings featuring local landmarks. Find her on Instagram @acorn_valley_art or Facebook by searching Acorn Valley Art.
