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 involved in a thriving carving community and was part of three carving groups. Her concern grew when she discovered that no such program existed in her new area or any of the surrounding counties. Determined to share her knowledge and love for wood carving, she reached out to the Whitley County Art Center, where she was met with open arms.

Together, the community arts agent and the passionate carver developed a comprehensive carving class. The program consisted of eight weeks, with one class per week, each lasting four hours. During this period, the participants learned various aspects of carving, including safety precautions, understanding different tools and materials, mastering the four main cuts, and even knife sharpening techniques. The program targeted adults aged 18 and over. It attracted a diverse group of individuals from the community, all eager to explore this traditional art form and develop their skills.

The program's success was greatly influenced by the collaboration with the passionate carver who had moved to Kentucky. Her extensive experience and involvement in the carving community provided invaluable insights and resources. Through her dedication, she aimed to not only teach others but also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow carving enthusiasts.

The carving program made a significant impact on the participants, both in terms of skill development and personal growth. By the end of the eight-week course, nine students emerged with a greater knowledge of the art form and a newfound appreciation for wood carving artists. The participants reported a range of positive outcomes from their experience. They mentioned that the class reduced their stress and anxiety levels, increased their logical and reasoning skills, and improved their fine motor and gross motor skills. One student, who happened to be a professional chainsaw artist, remarked that the class had completely transformed their carving technique, emphasizing the value of the program in refining existing skills and expanding artistic horizons.

Through the introduction of the carving program, the Whitley County Community Arts Extension Service successfully filled a void in their local art center and provided a platform for residents to explore and appreciate the heritage art form of wood carving. The partnership with the passionate carver from Pennsylvania enabled the program to flourish, and the positive impact on participants was evident in their increased knowledge, skill development, and personal growth. The success of this program not only celebrated the cultural heritage of Appalachia but also highlighted the power of community collaboration and the transformative potential of the arts.