Greenup County Quilt Guild

Author: Anne Stephens

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

The Greenup County Quilt Guild (GCQG) was established in 1983. Since that time, they have only been "loosely" affiliated with the Greenup County Extension Office. There were members who had been in leadership positions for many years who had an unwillingness to partner with Extension for leadership and administrative support. After the success, partnership, and growth of the Greenbo Quilt Show into a holistic event: Handcrafted Weekend, the Greenup County Community Arts Agent was invit

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Brush 'n Brunch Program

Author: Kristy Porter

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.The Pike County community needs assessment identified the need for more cross-program collaborations as well as programs that engage senior citizens and teach new skills. Community Arts (CA) and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program areas wanted to address these issues as well as introduce each other’s audiences to examples of the other’s programming. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Pike Cou

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Handmade Greeting Cards

Author: Susan Miller

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about the impacts of loneliness and isolation on overall public health. (Murthy, V.H., Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.) Social connectedness impacts our physical and mental health, as well as general feelings of life fulfillment. Two recommendations for increasing social connectedness put forth in

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Myers Towers Art Classes

Author: Kristy Porter

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.Myers Towers is a 200 unit, 11 story high-rise subsidized housing complex in downtown Pikeville that houses individuals who are majority low-income, elderly, and have limited mobility.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).In 2022, Pike County Extension Community Arts, in cooperation with The Appalachian Center for the Arts (The APP) and the Pike County Housing Authority, received the Arts Access Assistance: Creative Ag

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Whitley County Ceramics Program: Crafting Skills, Cultivating Well-Being

Author: Cortney Moses

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

Whitley County Extension Community Arts identified a growing demand for pottery programs, particularly in hand-building techniques. Community members sought accessible, beginner-friendly classes that would allow for creativity and personal expression. Recognizing this need, the Community Arts agent partnered with a newly relocated ceramics artist, Catlyn, to develop an eight-week hand-building curriculum. This program aimed to teach foundational techniques while fostering a supportive, creative

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Sashiko for Starter Stitches

Author: Susan Miller

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

When asking adult participants who have attended Boone County Extension Community Arts programming what else they would like to learn, a recurring request has been an introductory program on embroidery or hand-stitching. Individuals expressed interest in learning both basic stitches for mending as well as stitches that are decorative.On February 26th, 2025, Community Arts Agent Susan Miller presented a two-hour, beginner level hand-stitching program focused on sashiko, a traditional Japanese emb

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Paper Trails Scrabooking Workshop

Author: Asya Jarrell

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

In the current fast paced and digital world we live in, many individuals lack creative outlets that promote self-expression, reduce stress, and encourage connection. “Paper Trails” is a monthly scrapbooking workshop that blends creativity, mindfulness, and storytelling through memories. Using techniques like collage, mixed media, and journaling, it helps participants express personal stories while building artistic skills and community. We have partnered with the 21st Centu

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Alice Fae Weiland- Weaving Art, Community, and Legacy

Author: Cortney Moses

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

For the past 15 years, Alice Fae Weiland has been the heart and soul of the basketry program at the Extension Community Arts Center. A master basket maker, teacher, and community leader, Alice has dedicated thousands of hours to preserving and sharing the timeless art of basket weaving with people of all ages across the county and region—entirely as a volunteer.Alice’s impact is profound. Through the Extension Community Arts program, she has led basket classes not only at the Extensi

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Painting Heritage: Barn Quilt Classes Spark Community Pride and Creativity

Author: Kimberly Thomas

Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development

During fall 2024 and spring 2025, the Taylor County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Kimberly Thomas, hosted 10 Barn Quilt classes at the Taylor County Extension Office. Sixty-eight enthusiastic participants attended the classes and created their own individual works of art. Barn quilts, which can reflect family heritage such as farm families' crops, favorite sports teams, or blocks from treasured handmade quilts, were beautifully painted and finished under Kimberly's expert guidance.U

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