Songwriter, storyteller kicking off ‘Makings of a Master Exhibit’

On Thursday in Whitley City

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2015) — Songwriter and storyteller Mitch Barrett and bassist Owen Reynolds will help kick off McCreary County’s Heritage Trail Days festival at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the McCreary County Public Library, 6 N. Main St. in Whitley City.

Barrett and Reynolds are appearing at the festival as part of the Kentucky Arts Council’s “Makings of a Master Exhibit,” on display through Oct. 31 at the library.

McCreary County Public Library Director Kay Morrow said the exhibit, which was installed Sept. 2, has been well received.

“Our area is very steeped in the culture of music as well as making baskets and quilts, and we hope it further stimulates the minds and imaginations of our young people,” Morrow said. “It will be a wonderful interaction. I think it’s a great opportunity for people to stimulate their minds We have a lot of pass-through visitors who are in town visiting family and friends. As they come in, they’re stopping in and looking at the ‘Makings of a Master’ exhibit. They’re taking the time to really examine it.”

Morrow said the library is also hosting an open house in conjunction with Barrett and Reynolds’ performance. Local artisans will show their work, and there will be a basket-making demonstration at the library.

Following its stay in Whitley City, “Makings of a Master” will travel to Hindman, where it will be on display Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 at the Appalachian Artisan Center.

The “Makings of a Master” exhibit is on loan from the arts council and contains seven display cases housing a variety of musical instruments, tools and artworks made by master tradition bearers, interpretive panels, display photos and quotes, along with a push-button video display.

For more information on the “Makings of a Master” exhibit, contact Mark Brown, arts council folk and traditional arts director, at [email protected] or 502-564-3757, ext. 495.