The problem

A community needs assessment conducted through the County Extension Council identified the need for more cross program collaborations. The Community Arts (CA) and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program areas wanted to combine programming to introduce each other’s audiences to examples of the other’s programming. We also wanted to provide art instruction to a wide range of ages during summer break. Studies have shown that increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on academic, social, and emotional outcomes.

The educational program response

Pike County Extension Community Arts and Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated to introduce Brush ‘n Brunch - a painting class followed by a delicious and nutritious brunch recipe demonstration. People who normally come to arts programming discovered that we also do nutrition and cooking classes, and FCS audiences learned that we provide art classes and events. Each participant was taught art techniques in acrylic painting. They painted their own canvas and were shown how to prepare a healthy recipe by FCS, along with a recipe card. The newly combined class had 15 participants and the second had 18.

The participants/target audience

The target audience for this program was some of the local community members, students on summer break, as well as FCS class participants/ Homemakers. The program was for ages 12+.

Other partners (if applicable)

Pike County Community Arts and Pike County Family and Consumer Sciences

Program impact or participant response.

We provided a survey after the second class to 18 people. 16 people said they felt more confident in starting a painting on a blank canvas. 16 respondents said they learned a new painting term or technique. 14 people said they felt confident making recipe provided. 100% of respondents said they would sign up for another class. 100% took a painting and recipe card home with them.

After the first class, participants quickly asked when the next class would be. Seven signed up for either CA and/or FCS newsletters. Five people asked for additional recipes. We offered another Brush ‘n Brunch class which filled in two days, with a waiting list of over 20 people. Again, participants asked when the next class would be. We scheduled a third installment of the class, first contacting those people on the waiting list.

Participant have said they didn’t realize they could paint and that they were very relaxed by the process.