What will Kentucky Book Festival visitors find on your table?

The book Lonnie & Twyla Money – 50 years of Kentucky Appalachian Folk Art. This is a beautiful coffee table book with wonderful photography of their work, but it also tells the story of how the Moneys gave up farming to become two of the most iconic folk artists in Kentucky.

Whom do you invite to stop by? Who will benefit from reading your book?

I would invite anyone who has an interest in art and craft to come by, but also people interested in history, specifically Kentucky history and the story of immigrants in Central Kentucky in the latter half of the 1800’s. Additionally, this book is a story about how two artists driven by the love of their craft to create processes and practices that have enabled them to make a living doing what they love. It shows in their work and they are great storytellers.

Could you please tell us something curious about you and/or your book?

I never thought I would write a book. My background is in design but once I met the Moneys I knew their story had to be told. The book kind-of chose me. They are too important not to be remembered and honored for their talent and significance to Kentucky folk lore and their family history is just as fascinating. These stories needed to be recorded and preserved.

Is this your first time participating in Kentucky Book Festival? If yes – what are you looking forward to the most? If you’ve participated before – what was your favorite experience at the Festival?

This is my first book and my first time participating in this event. I feel honored and blessed to be part of this experience, and yes, to see “author” under my name will be very exciting. I look forward to meeting other authors and talking to readers about my book and these great people.

An accomplished painter, fiber artist, and photographer, Karen Abney has exhibited at several galleries across the region. Lonnie & Twyla Money is the story of two iconic Kentucky artists who have been making folk art pieces for nearly 50 years and have helped to shape this unique Appalachian art form.