Kentuck Requests Donations To Fund Expanded Offerings In 2024

NORTHPORT, AL — Kentuck Art Center on Monday announced plans to expand offerings and programming in the coming year, which comes during an ongoing spat with the City of Northport over funding for the nonprofit and the site of the Kentuck Festival of the Arts.

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As Patch reported in late November, Kentuck officials said Northport wanted a five-year agreement regarding the festival being held at Kentuck Park but was unwilling to guarantee that the nonprofit could have the festival there for the duration of the agreement.

Kentuck Art Center Executive Director Amy Echols said more than 4,000 people participated in its year-round programming this year, marking a 34% increase from 2022. This doesn’t factor in the impact of the Kentuck Festival of the Arts.

ALSO READ: Kentuck, Northport At Odds Over Future Site Of Kentuck Arts Festival

Echols went on to say that Kentuck plans to expand its opportunities next year, including the opening Kentuck’s Clay Studio.

"Long-time studio artist Kerry Kennedy will be moving to a home studio, and her previous studio at Kentuck will become the Clay Studio, a place for learners of all ages to take classes at any experience level," Echols said. "In addition, Kentuck will also be adding stained glass and fused glass classes to its list of learning opportunities."

To make these efforts possible, though, Kentuck is asking for members, supporters and other community stakeholders to consider donating for the following amenities:

• $10,000 for equipment for Kentuck’s Clay Studio (tables, shelves, kiln parts, clay tools, and wheels for youth and adults)
• $7,000 for up-to-date technology that will allow Kentuck staff to process registrations, tickets to events and communications.
• $3,000 for tools, supplies, and a glass kiln for offering stained and fused glass classes.

The overall goal for its aptly named "Rise Above It" campaign is $20,000, with $102 raised toward that goal as of the publication of this story.

Click here to donate or learn more about how to get involved with Kentuck Art Center.

In closing her open letter to the community on behalf of Kentuck on Monday, Echols pointed out the challenges that have been widely reported, including funding cuts and changes to the Kentuck Festival site.

"Your support is more critical now than ever, and any amount is appreciated," she said.

While Kentuck has been publicly critical of the City of Northport regarding the aforementioned issues, city officials say the relationship has been mischaracterized. Rather, Northport leaders have been vocal in their desire to see the Kentuck Festival of the Arts stay in the same location.

As Patch previously reported, Northport City Attorney Ron Davis said a meeting was held on Nov. 16 with Kentuck's attorney and a board representative to provide clarification on issues presented by Kentuck.

During this meeting, city attorneys attempted to get additional information for Kentuck and continued to engage with Council members about the concerns of Kentuck, with a pledge to get all issues resolved no later than Dec. 11.

The next regular meeting of the Northport City Council is set for Dec. 11, with an agenda item under departmental business relating to Kentuck. Little else, in terms of details, is provided in the agenda packet for Monday night's meeting.

"The City of Northport has been the proud host of the Kentuck Festival for the last 52 years and the City Council has worked diligently in its commitment to coming to a resolution with Kentuck to retain the festival," the city said in a statement last month. "It remains the hope of the City of Northport that Kentuck will continue to hold its festival at the traditional home of Kentuck Park within the City of Northport as we have never wavered from providing that space."

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