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 coming from the Kentucky Arts Council sanctioned teaching and professional artists list. Each artist came to train an average of 5 of our local artists who had demonstrated a high level of skill in a specific type of art and who were willing to share their skill with others. 

Each artist that was trained then agreed to host another class for those who were interested in learning that skill. 

To date, all classes have been held, 45 trained and the trainees trained 30 more who are just learning. One trainee introduced the topic of collage to 320 grade school students, began teaching it and making money off of the skill, and 10 others have committed to establishing a system by which others can continue learning the arts. The topics of specialty are painting, stained glass, mixed media (collage...), playwright, and fiber arts. They have planned a debut of the "Experience the Arts" program for November of 2022.