FAQs

Q: What is the Masters Of Craft Awards?
A: The Masters of Craft Awards is a Competition sponsored by Keeneland Mercantile, in partnership with Keeneland Magazine. This Competition recognizes the products of craftsmen or businesses that manufacture or produce a product in the U.S.A. that fits into one of the four (4) Categories: FOOD & DRINK, HOME GOODS, WEARS & HANDMADE.
Q: When are entries due?
A: All entries are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 5, 2023.
Q: If my product is designed in the United States but assembled elsewhere, can I still enter?
A: To qualify for the awards, your product must be physically produced and/or assembled in the United States.
Q: My products have been sold by Keeneland Mercantile in the past; can I still enter?
A: Yes. As long as the specific product you are entering has not been featured in connection with our Masters of Craft award, we encourage you to enter.
Q: Should I enter my company as a whole or a specific product?
A: We ask that you narrow your entry to a specific product.
Q: What are the product qualifications?
A: The Product that you submit for consideration into the Competition may only be submitted into one (1) Category and must be your sole creative work and must not incorporate ideas or work of any other person or material that would require the consent of a third party in any jurisdiction or under any applicable law. Without limitation, the Product must not infringe or violate any trademark, copyright, publicity right, privacy or any other right of any other person or entity, under any applicable law. By submitting an Entry, you represent and warrant to Sponsor that the Product, Entry, and everything depicted in the Photos are wholly original and do not infringe upon or otherwise violate any right of any person, entity, or any law, rule or regulation. Violation or breach of these representations or warranties may subject you to penalties and damages under applicable law and will result in disqualification from the Competition. By entering the Competition, you agree that Sponsor may post your Photos and Product or any part thereof on the Site. Sponsor does not guarantee the posting of any Photo or Product. You understand that your name and biographical data (as entered on the Entry Form) may also be posted on the Site in connection with the Competition.
Q: Can I enter more than once?
A: Yes. If you would like to submit two unrelated products, you may enter two applications. Please submit separate orders for the application fee for each product.
Q: What category should I enter?
A: See our category descriptions below to choose the appropriate category.
FOOD & DRINK: We’ll raise a glass to the game-changing distillers, master brewers, and cocktail mixers, and discover refreshing non-alcoholic small-batch sodas, juices, and teas. Whether you’re showcasing century old family recipes, boxing up baked goods or crafting local honey and jams, this is where culinary excellence shines.
HOME GOODS: Barware, cast iron cookware, kitchen utensils and cutlery, pillows, rugs, and table linens—everything from rustic coffee tables to contemporary leather armchairs — we’re looking for those items that’ll turn a house into a designer’s dream home.
WEARS: Race-day neckwear or sportcoat? Millinery or a line of handmade jewelry? We want to see your talents! Button downs, watches, scarves, shoes, boots, and alike— we’re looking to celebrate it all.
HANDMADE: Hand painted barrel heads, cloisonné ornaments, letterpress printers, painters and artists, ceramics, candlemakers, leather and textile crafters; this is the category for you.
Q: How do I know if my application fee was processed successfully?
A: You will receive a confirmation email letting you know that your application fee went through. If you did not receive an email, please let us know at mercantile@keeneland.com.
Q: Where is the application form to fill out?
A: You will receive two emails after you purchase an application fee. One is an order confirmation email. The second is a welcome email that includes the link to fill out the application form. If you did not receive the second email, please reach out to mercantile@keeneland.com and we'll get it to you! Be sure to check your spam and junk folders as well.
Q: My photos are not uploading correctly; what should I do?
First, make sure that each photo you are attempting to upload is 20MB or less. Second, the problem may be with your web browser. If the problem persists, email us at mercantile@keeneland.com.
Q: Can visual artists submit their work?
A: Yes, visual artists such as painters, sculptors, and photographers can submit their products under the handmade category.
Q: Do I need to mail in my physical product?
A: Not during the first round of judging. The first round of judging will be based on the entry form and photos. If chosen as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to send in a sample of your product. More info & instructions will be shared if chosen.
Q: When will I be notified if my product is being considered as a finalist?
A: All finalists will be notified by email by the end of March 2023.
Q: When will the final winners be announced to the public?
A: Winners and Finalists will be announced to the public in the summer issue of Keeneland Magazine (May 2023).
If you still happen to have questions, please submit them to mercantile@keeneland.com with the Subject Line including "Masters Of Craft Awards."
A: All entries are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 5, 2023.
Q: If my product is designed in the United States but assembled elsewhere, can I still enter?
A: To qualify for the awards, your product must be physically produced and/or assembled in the United States.
Q: My products have been sold by Keeneland Mercantile in the past; can I still enter?
A: Yes. As long as the specific product you are entering has not been featured in connection with our Masters of Craft award, we encourage you to enter.
Q: Should I enter my company as a whole or a specific product?
A: We ask that you narrow your entry to a specific product.
Q: What are the product qualifications?
A: The Product that you submit for consideration into the Competition may only be submitted into one (1) Category and must be your sole creative work and must not incorporate ideas or work of any other person or material that would require the consent of a third party in any jurisdiction or under any applicable law. Without limitation, the Product must not infringe or violate any trademark, copyright, publicity right, privacy or any other right of any other person or entity, under any applicable law. By submitting an Entry, you represent and warrant to Sponsor that the Product, Entry, and everything depicted in the Photos are wholly original and do not infringe upon or otherwise violate any right of any person, entity, or any law, rule or regulation. Violation or breach of these representations or warranties may subject you to penalties and damages under applicable law and will result in disqualification from the Competition. By entering the Competition, you agree that Sponsor may post your Photos and Product or any part thereof on the Site. Sponsor does not guarantee the posting of any Photo or Product. You understand that your name and biographical data (as entered on the Entry Form) may also be posted on the Site in connection with the Competition.
Q: Can I enter more than once?
A: Yes. If you would like to submit two unrelated products, you may enter two applications. Please submit separate orders for the application fee for each product.
Q: What category should I enter?
A: See our category descriptions below to choose the appropriate category.
FOOD & DRINK: We’ll raise a glass to the game-changing distillers, master brewers, and cocktail mixers, and discover refreshing non-alcoholic small-batch sodas, juices, and teas. Whether you’re showcasing century old family recipes, boxing up baked goods or crafting local honey and jams, this is where culinary excellence shines.
HOME GOODS: Barware, cast iron cookware, kitchen utensils and cutlery, pillows, rugs, and table linens—everything from rustic coffee tables to contemporary leather armchairs — we’re looking for those items that’ll turn a house into a designer’s dream home.
WEARS: Race-day neckwear or sportcoat? Millinery or a line of handmade jewelry? We want to see your talents! Button downs, watches, scarves, shoes, boots, and alike— we’re looking to celebrate it all.
HANDMADE: Hand painted barrel heads, cloisonné ornaments, letterpress printers, painters and artists, ceramics, candlemakers, leather and textile crafters; this is the category for you.
Q: Can I submit my application by mail?
A: No. To ensure that every application arrives safely and receives equal attention, we ask that ALL applications be submitted digitally. You will get an email confirmation once your application fee has been received.
Q: What is the entry fee?
A: There is a non-refundable entry fee of $50 for each product submission. We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
A: You will receive a confirmation email letting you know that your application fee went through. If you did not receive an email, please let us know at mercantile@keeneland.com.
Q: Where is the application form to fill out?
A: You will receive two emails after you purchase an application fee. One is an order confirmation email. The second is a welcome email that includes the link to fill out the application form. If you did not receive the second email, please reach out to mercantile@keeneland.com and we'll get it to you! Be sure to check your spam and junk folders as well.
Q: My photos are not uploading correctly; what should I do?
First, make sure that each photo you are attempting to upload is 20MB or less. Second, the problem may be with your web browser. If the problem persists, email us at mercantile@keeneland.com.
Q: Can visual artists submit their work?
A: Yes, visual artists such as painters, sculptors, and photographers can submit their products under the handmade category.
Q: Do I need to mail in my physical product?
A: Not during the first round of judging. The first round of judging will be based on the entry form and photos. If chosen as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to send in a sample of your product. More info & instructions will be shared if chosen.
Q: When will I be notified if my product is being considered as a finalist?
A: All finalists will be notified by email by the end of March 2023.
Q: When will the final winners be announced to the public?
A: Winners and Finalists will be announced to the public in the summer issue of Keeneland Magazine (May 2023).
If you still happen to have questions, please submit them to mercantile@keeneland.com with the Subject Line including "Masters Of Craft Awards."