Limited arts education in the school system. Partners for rural impact, FRYSC, and homeschool leaders’ area partnership for art club.  

The club members love the arts from drawing, sketching, clay arts, watercolor painting, oil pastels, pottery, anything that is offered to them really. In Rural Appalachia the Arts are a way for some to make extra money or an actual career. Giving these youth the opportunity to dabble in the arts may lead to a pathway that leads them into the workforce.

Many of the schools do not have the funding to provide the arts education in the school systems, the homeschool youth study art as art of their school curriculum in other ways than what 4-H has to offer.

Seeing that there was a need for art in our county and helping students with this self-expression, self-esteem, and finding a way to relax from electronic devices.  The effort was formed between Letcher County FRYSC, Letcher County 4-H and starting this Spring Partners for Rural Impact. 20 youth are participating in the art club. Art clubs are open to youth that are ages 8-18, youth are in both public school system, independent school system, and homeschooled.  

Statics show that art provides a type of therapy that helps children and adults improve self-esteem, cope with depression and anxiety, relieve stress, and manage addictions.

According to Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, Director of Clinical Research at Newport Academy, “Teens who abuse substances are trying to escape feelings. Expressing who they are, without words, can lead to authentic connection with self. Furthermore, this allows them to make authentic connections with others.”

The 4-H agent working with volunteers met once a month with club members ranging from elementary aged, middle school, and high school students. Youth have created different art techniques. The students worked hard all year preparing art pieces. After completing many different art pieces, the youth can send projects to the Kentucky State Fair. Last year six youth decided to participate in the arts at the Kentucky State Fair. 

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West J Med 2001 Jul; 175(1): 54–57.

Riley, S. (2001). Art therapy with adolescents. Western Journal of Medicine, 175(1), 54–57.