As we continue to rise to the challenge of our new “normal” of life after a  global pandemic, the role of art has become more central to our lives.  In a time of continued uncertainty, people of all ages are struggling to find ways to be connected. This is a time to value the arts. High –tech communication has lost its luster even as the  as the pandemic slows down.  Art allows us to communicate from afar, generating positivity, appreciation and hope during COVID-19. Globally, we have turned to art engagement as a source of comfort and strength. https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/why-we-need-arts-in-times-of-crisis  It has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness  Art encompasses so much emotion and feeling, and we look at a piece of art every once in a while and feel that special connection that we haven’t felt with anything else. Gallatin County Extension offers many programs for all ages to help our community express themselves.

While participating in the Urban Extension Initiative, I talked to several parents, homemakers, and teachers who all wanted an art program available  to everyone regardless of age or income.  Also, CEDIK and the Community Arts Extension Program Leader provided several resources and ideas for the art kits. After taking the results to the CEC, a committee was formed and the new “Extension Art Gallery” was started.   Each month, an art kit is put together by the CEC committee, that consists of paint, brushes, canvas, and directions both written and a video. They complete the painting and turn it into the Extension Office where the paintings are hung for a month. They also compete in a contest. There are four different age groups – Cloverbud, Junior 4-H, Senior 4-H, and adults. Prizes include different art kits so that people can learn art and/or embroidery skills. We started with 50 kits and soon realized we would need more. We are getting people that have never been to the Extension Office, families that want something to work on together, and people that just need a creative outlet. Major events from FCS, Ag and 4-H are also included in the bag.

As this project, goes into the second year, it is still  a popular  activity for seniors adults, families and people who just need inspiration.  One participate said that this project opened up new possibilities for her as she didn't think she was very artistic  This project has also helped several people destress. The local senior center is also now involved with putting kits together and actually completing the project. The school is now involved (art classes and the gifted and talented).    People are always asking when the next kit is coming.  Several parents have said they enjoy working with their children.  One parent said they enjoyed all the grab and go bags during COVID and was glad we were doing the kits again. This is an on-going project with hopes of making it into a traveling Extension Art Gallery.