Home » Kentucky Artisan Center announces new director

Kentucky Artisan Center announces new director

Berea, Ky. – The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Finley as the new executive director of the Center. Starting in February, Finley has started to oversee and develop the many facets that contribute to making the Center a great showcase for the arts for the state of Kentucky.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is both a traveler center and an arts destination. It offers great shopping, gallery exhibits, weekly artist demonstrations, daily Kentucky cuisine, traveler services and great Kentucky hospitality.

“I look forward to getting to know and work with the talented and supportive staff here at the center,” Finley said, “as we all work to further the center’s mission and bring pride to our state.”

Born and raised in London, KY, Finley grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs and business people. Starting with helping to run his family’s retail grocery business, Finley went on to own 7 retail establishments before the age of 30.

Upon selling his retail operations, Finley embarked on a degree in business from Eastern Kentucky University, finishing his degree at the University of the Cumberlands. Realizing the enormous growth of the Bourbon industry, Finley then found a niche for his promotional talent, working for Heaven Hill in Bardstown, KY.

“I have always had a strong appreciation for the creative mind,” Finley said, “and it is indeed amazing to discover how many creative people we have in Kentucky. Their creative output contributes to our state’s economy and builds vibrant communities – like the town of Berea where the center is located.”

“The Center is a doorway for Kentucky travelers,” said Finley. “Here, they not only find amazing works created by our talented artisans, but also discover the activities, cities, cultural destinations, beautiful KY State Parks and amazing adventures to be found in the state of Kentucky.”

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located at 200 Artisan Way, just off Interstate 75 at Berea, Exit 77. The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Artisan Café is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.