According to research by the University of Waterloo in Canada, we are more likely to have long-term memory recall for items that we have drawn than we are for items we have written. Written text enters our short-term memory, which has a smaller amount of storage space in our brains, thus making it easier to forget. Using this logic, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent started combining lessons dealing with nutrition and gardening information with painting projects. Each month a canvas painting project is completed that relates to a lesson given on the same night. For example, a lesson was recently given about Gardening in Small Spaces while the participants painted a spring tree. Another lesson was given about growing watermelons in Kentucky and selecting the right melon in the grocery store. Participants were given a Plate It Up Kentucky Proud Recipe for Watermelon Salad while they painted a slice of watermelon on their canvas.

This program has been wildly successful over the past six months, as there has been a waiting list every class. This program has reached a new audience not familiar with Cooperative Extension programming and has also reached a younger generation of millennials. An evaluation was given to participants and 100% said they learned something new as a result of Painting with Lessons. This evaluation also showed that 94% felt like this program was beneficial as a stress and/or anxiety reliever. It is encouraging to know that the program is reaching different age groups simultaneously, as I have seen grandparents, parents, and children all attending this class together. It is my hope that by doing this program, Whitley County Cooperative Extension continues to reach new groups of people that will benefit from the wide variety of Extension programs available. This program will continue for once a month throughout the year.