Pike County Extension Fine Arts teamed up with local artists to offer a popular warm weather series: Art on the Plaza. On Saturdays from late spring through early fall, participants can sign up to take part in an outdoor art activity in downtown Pikeville. Over the past two years, we’ve featured various artists, including Christopher Epling and Jessica Salyer, teaching basket weaving, cartoon drawing, acrylic and watercolor painting, and therapeutic art activities. Pike County Extension Fine Arts furnished paint, brushes, and other art supplies for the events.

We’ve had over 140 people of all ages participate in an Art on the Plaza event. One participant said, “I really enjoyed coming out today with my daughter to do a painting. It was good to connect and unwind after a long week. We need more things like this!” Local media coverage has included the Appalachian News-Express and Mountain Top Media.