Author: Stacy Trent
Major Program: Artistic & Essential Skill Development
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, our population is becoming more diverse every day. It shows the overall U.S. population in 2020 was more radically and ethnically diverse than it was a decade earlier. As these numbers continue to grow, it is important that we understand and be more culturally aware.Cultural Exploration is a monthly program designed to encourage the community to be more culturally aware. The Breathitt County Family and Consumer Science Agent implemented the program, which pro
Author: Cortney Moses
Whitley County Community Arts Extension Service: Carving Program Whitley County, a region with a rich heritage in Appalachia, lacked a carving program at its local art center, despite the evident interest among its residents. Recognizing the demand and the potential benefits, the Community Arts Extension Service took action. The community arts agent collaborated with a passionate wood carving enthusiast who had recently moved to Kentucky from Pennsylvania. This woman was actively invol
Author: Whitney Morrow
Carter County Extension Council members, leaders, and staff identified a need to recruit new clientele in Carter County. As a result of the pandemic and agent vacancies face-to-face participation in programs had decreased. Carter County Agents wanted to develop programs that would be of interest to people of all ages and help bring new participants to the Extension Office. The goal was to have a schedule of classes that were not limited to farmers, 4-H, and Homemaker members. I
Author: Anne Stephens
Youth in Greenup County have a variety of interests that allow them to learn essential skills and practice leadership. Part of the Greenup County Community Arts Program is providing opportunities that meet student interests in the areas of music, art, and theatre. In 2023, Greenup Arts has celebrated the successes of Mason Furst, Raini Hall, India Woods, and Braxton Newland. These are exceptionally talented and dedicated youth leaders who have been part of the Greenup Arts program for many years
Author: Marla Stillwell
From 2017-2021, the LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service was without a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent which in turn caused a decline in Homemaker membership. During this time, the COVID-19 pandemic was also endured and 2 of LaRue County's 3 Homemaker clubs also dissolved. Therefore, in an attempt to revitalize the LaRue County Homemakers Association, a committee of active Homemakers created a program that would offer arts and crafts classes to the LaRue County community
Author: Kristy Porter
When considering what art classes to offer the community, we try to offer familiar favorites while also introducing new concepts. Speaking to the latter, we decided to put forward a class series in an entirely new art medium—digital!Parker Taylor is a local artist with a deep knowledge of Procreate. Parker has designed logos, art, and merchandise for both personal endeavors and through commission from several organizations and businesses, including the City of Pikeville, Pikeville Pride, a
As the Community Arts Agent and teacher of the ceramic program at the extension community arts center, there was a pressing need to expand beyond the basics of wheel throwing. The limited abilities to teach advanced knowledge was hindering the growth of the program, and there was a need for professional training in ceramics. The solution came in the form of an 8-week advanced ceramics class offered by the University of Kentucky School of Arts and Visual Studies. The Community Arts Agent was
Greenup Arts has responded to interest expressed by students and adults about learning to play the ukulele. Greenup County 4-H has two teens who participated in the 4-H online ukulele club and two local schools are using the ukulele in their music classes. The ukulele is an affordable instrument, not difficult to play, and is a good beginner instrument for learning to play in an ensemble and/or accompany a singer. For these reasons, Greenup Arts has established a Ukulele Club, in partnership wit
Appalachian Symphony, in its seventh year, is a musical collective providing free music lessons and performance opportunities to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The program is completely free and increases music education access for people living in low-income conditions as well as providing an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes individuals who otherwise feel as though they do not "belong" in traditional music lesson settings. This includes, but is not limited to, pe
Author: Brenda Cockerham
A body of research has shown that the arts have been a tool to enhance the economy, build self-esteem, improve mental health and connect people with one another; this has been made evident for years in the Johnson County Family and Consumer Sciences program. As all of these issues are important priorities in the program, FCS pursued a grant to make skills available to those 55 and older in particular, but not exclusive. Five professional artists were selected by a steering committee, most c
