In 2021, the Mountain Grrl Experience (MGE) festival debuted as a new community arts event in Pikeville, KY that is planned, organized, and executed by a team of local women. Overall, MGE is an exciting art and music event with intent to feature and promote the creativity of women in Appalachia in a safe and supportive environment. According to MGE organizers, their mission is to celebrate and nurture the artistry and strength of Appalachian women.

The festival just completed its third and most successful year with a full schedule of events running June 15-17th, including two stages of musical entertainment, multiple venues offering indoor activities, a full visual art gallery, and a packed main street and downtown park offering up various vendors, interactive workshops, and educational activities—all offered free of charge to the public.

Pike County Extension Community Arts was thrilled to participate in and support this incredible local event in several ways. Not only were we able to participate in planning meetings leading up to the event in an advisory and assisting role, but we also set up as a creative opportunity in the city park to promote our programming and offer art activities for people of all ages during the festival.

To summarize, we were able to assist with graphic design work for marketing, design and print brochures and flyers, help orchestrate several free art workshops, offer healthy eating materials and nutritious recipes, and offer support for local musicians and artists. During the event, we sat up near the city park pavilion with bubble machines, sidewalk chalk, rainbow ribbon dancers to encourage creative movement, healthy recipe cards, and—most importantly—provide the opportunity for festival goers to participate in creating a community mural. The mural base was constructed of four large canvas panels, providing a combined painting surface area of 96x48 inches. The canvases were painted with a blue abstract background and then taped off into square sections so community members could pick and paint their very own square, resulting in a beautiful quilt-like arrangement of different art styles and subject matters. The mural will go on to be displayed in a public location soon to be determined.

An additional noteworthy detail—all proceeds from 2023’s festival benefited Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Martin, KY.

We hope to continue to support the Mountain Grrl Festival in many ways for years to come as this creative endeavor expands in both size and impact.