Art is all around us.  It can be as grand as a painting in the Lourve or as subtle as a sparkling drop of dew on a blade of grass. Art encompasses so much emotion and feeling, and we look at a piece of art every once in a while and feel that special connection that we haven’t felt with anything else. Gallatin County 4-H offers an art cub for several different groups including the middle school, the upper elementary school, and homeschool children for about 60 children.  .  A coloring contest is also offered four times a year for all ages.  

As we rise to the challenge of our new “normal” of life after a  global pandemic, the role of art has become more central to our lives.  In a time of uncertainty, people of all ages are struggling to find ways to be connected. This is a time to value the arts. High –tech communication has lost its luster even as the  as the pandemic slows down.  Art allows us to communicate from afar, generating positivity, appreciation and hope during COVID-19. Globally, we have turned to art engagement as a source of comfort and strength. https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/why-we-need-arts-in-times-of-crisis  It has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness  Art encompasses so much emotion and feeling, and we look at a piece of art every once in a while and feel that special connection that we haven’t felt with anything else. Gallatin County Extension offers many programs for all ages to help our community express themselves.  We have gone into the classroom of 100 children to explore cultures and customs of various countries such as Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and Kenya.   We offer day camps and art clubs,  both at the school and the extension office to encompass children of all walks of life. Approximately 100 children from lower elementary to high school attend the various clubs and camps.   These clubs include several different mediums such as acrylic painting, oil pastels, pen and ink, photography, mixed media, wood working, sewing, diamond art and more.    Art in also embedded into other project clubs such as livestock and cooking as well as other school enrichment programs. 

 Several parents and volunteers saw the work of their children and grandchildren and asked for an outlet for adults.   I have also collaborated with the Family Resource Center to offer painting classes for the GrandLove group (grandparents raising grandchildren). Approximately 20 adults attend the painting classes and 10 grandparents attend the GrandLove classes.   According to several participates, these classes are something they can enjoy because arthritis has hindered working on other crafts. There are also painting classes at the schools to encourage collaboration among the teachers with approximately 25  teachers/staff attending. We encourage both 4-H members and adults to enter their art work in the county fair. Each child also has the opportunity to put their art work in the new  4-H Art Gallery at the public library.

Edited 7/23