For many, the phrase “arts and crafts” brings to mind images of a kindergarten classroom, or retiree-populated sewing circles.

But participants in the Kentucky Crafted program have long been turning such notions on their heads.

The Kentucky Arts Council sponsors Kentucky Crafted, which is devoted to giving qualified artisans and craftspeople across Kentucky better opportunities to market their work.

Two Paducah residents — illustrator Tracey Buchanan and ceramic artist Michael Terra — will participate in the program’s annual wholesale and retail showcase in March in Lexington.

Buchanan represents the most recent local addition to the Kentucky Crafted roster. Her acceptance in November placed her among more than 400 participants who were selected for their artistic excellence and the marketing potential of their work.

Buchanan describes her ink and watercolor illustrations as whimsical and optimistic. Her “flutterbies” — which incorporate snippets of overheard conversation or inspirational sayings — are meant to help people look at the world in a more lighthearted way, she said.

While the Market seeks to incorporate as many quality artists as possible, the selection process is rigorous, said Emily Moses, Kentucky Arts Council communications director.

Of the 121 artists who completed applications in 2012, only 32 were accepted into the program.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market will run from March 1-3 at the Lexington Convention Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington. It is open to the public that Saturday and Sunday.

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For the second consecutive year, Paducah welcomed twin brothers as the first babies born in the region in the new year.

Erika Damron and husband Derrick Damron of Barlow said they arrived at Western Baptist Hospital and were surprised to find their sons would be born nine weeks early due to concerns about blood circulation.

The Damrons weren’t expecting to meet their boys until March 2.

“We had no intention of having babies yesterday,” Erika said Jan. 1. “We came in for an ultrasound ... and they told us we weren’t going to be able to leave. They started the induction and did that until 2:45 a.m.”

At 3:13 a.m., the Damrons welcomed their first son — weighing 3 pounds, 9 ounces — and his brother, weighing 2 pounds, 8 ounces, a minute later.

The twins were in Western Baptist Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Last year’s first births also needed special attention after arriving early.

“The NICU is designed for babies that need that extra care,” said Cindy Devine, maternal-child coordinator. “Many times it’s for babies who come a little earlier. Before we opened the unit here we would have to send them to Cape Girardeau (Mo.) or St. Louis.”

Devine said the environment of the unit is normally kept dark and quiet to allow babies to adjust more easily.