In an effort to encourage both the arts and crafts industries in Kentucky to develop job opportunities, bring new sources of income into communities suffering from under-employment, and foster the education of Kentucky’s people about the arts, the Train’s program was financed by a grant to the Guild by the Department of Economic Development, later the Department of Commerce. Several other states had traveling Art vehicles, primarily exhibition-oriented, but Kentucky’s was the only train, and with an economic as well as an educational and cultural purpose.
During its existence, several hundred thousand visitors, schoolchildren, artists, craftsmen, and curious citizens saw the exhibits, which changed annually. They watched demonstrations of woodwork, ceramics, weaving and other crafts, tried their own hands at creative production, and considered the possibilities of a profitable “industry” of their own. As a direct result of the Train’s visit, several successful projects were established. These included production as well as wholesale and retail outlets for the products, with practical assistance from the state government and already practicing artists and craftsmen, One of the Train’s purposes was to find producers already working, assist them in the improvement of their products as needed for salability and help bring them to market, while at the same time providing an experience in the arts for children and adults for whom there were no other opportunities. Through the exhibitions, the highest standards of quality in design and craftsmanship were made available for Kentucky’s artists and craftsmen to see and emulate. From our 21st Century vantage point, and today’s high quality in Kentucky’s arts environment and products, it’s not easy to understand the need which was felt half a century ago.
The two cars were delivered to sidings directly from regular use. The passenger coach was converted at Berea College to a demonstration workshop and a small apartment for the Director traveling with the Train. The baggage car was developed at the Kentucky Rail Museum in Louisville into an exhibition gallery. An initial show was built from loans from museums, galleries and collectors around the country, including the Allentown and speed Museums, the Pennsylvania University Museum, and The Whitney Museum of American Art, among many others. Tools and materials for the Demonstration Car were donated by manufacturers and retailers, and all materials and labor were given by businesses and organizations.
Three Directors led the Train’s program. John Dillehay designed and inaugurated the initial exhibit and tour, followed several years later by Ed and Judy Brinkman, and later by Jerry Workman. Virginia Minish, a Louisville glass craftsperson, was the prime mover for the Guild. Rude Osolnik, Berea woodcraftsman and chair of the college Industrial Arts Department and Guild Executive Secretary, managed the Train’s production, and James Hall and crew did the renovation work. Lester Pross, Guild President and Chair of the Berea College Art Department, coordinated efforts. Paul Hadley of Churchill Weavers represented the Department of Economic Development on these programs.
The Train successfully continued its tours around the state, visiting some communities several times “by popular demand.” Local organizations and schools sponsored the visits, a week to ten days long. These were major events attracting hundreds of people at each stop. Exhibitions were changed annually, with different media emphases. In 1968, after a change in administration, state support was withdrawn from the train, and remaining funds and Guild energies were transferred to the development of the Guild Fairs, which continue to the present time.
