Success StoryWildcat Leadership Council Explores Art with University of Kentucky
Wildcat Leadership Council Explores Art with University of Kentucky
Author: Amber Dotson
Planning Unit: Bath County CES
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Plan of Work: Leadership Enhancement and Community Development
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, Bath Countians see "Youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building opportunities)" as the third most important priority issue in their communities. This data is supported by Bath County Cooperative Extension Service Agents regularly observing community members of all ages claiming that there are limited resources for youth to engage in healthy, productive, and safe activities.
In response, Bath County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Bath County Schools Family Resource and Youth Services Center Director to lead a group of high school students in exploring art at the University of Kentucky Art Museum. This program provided participants opportunities to view a variety of displayed artworks, explore art as an outlet for expression, and create their own art in the form of clay sculptures.
Participants were members of a competitive school-sponsored group called Wildcat Leadership Council. Wildcat Leadership Council members are seen as school and community leaders with increased ability to impact youth audiences, making their participation a catalyst for wider impact. Of the council members, 20 were able to attend the program.
At the conclusion of the program, participants completed a voluntary survey. All respondents indicated that they were equally or more confident in their ability to understand the importance of art. 95% were equally or more confident in their ability to share about their own experiences with art. All respondents indicated that they enjoyed some aspect of the program, with 9 noting the hands-on creation of art in particular. This coincides with 65% of respondents stating that they are more confident in creating their own art following the program. This program provided participants with the resources necessary to develop new skills and interests in art while gaining confidence in sharing healthy, productive, and safe outlets with their peers.
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