After attending the 2017 Kentucky State Fair, Fine Arts Agent, Cortney Moses, noticed a need for more representation of 4-H art entries from Whitley County youth. To increase the 4-H art entries at state fair there needs to be an increase in qualified 4-H art entries at the Whitley County Fair. Providing summer art classes for youth prior to the Whitley County Fair would increase art opportunities and provide programs for youth during the summer months.

Cortney collaborated with the 4-H agent to create 2 weeks of art classes. Cortney also collaborated with local artist volunteers and the 4-H and Fine Arts program assistants to provide unique classes that increased skill development. The 4-H art classes introduced students to new art forms and art mediums that increased understanding and appreciation for the arts. Classes were designed for youth ages 9-19 and were formulated to follow the visual arts state fair guidelines. Classes were all day and lunch was provided. Whitley County’s Kentucky State University SNAP assistant provided nutrition education to the students during their meal. After the class, students were given the information needed to enter their art into the county fair. Seniors students were instructed on how to formulate their artist statement required with entries.

With inspiration from her grandparent’s old home and the economic climate of Appalachian people, a senior 4-H student who attended the linocut class created a piece of art that imposed a positive light on rural areas. The message for the viewer is “to see a quiet and peaceful house buried in the mountains, but to know that the same house wouldn’t last in an affluent area.” Beauty in Poverty compares and contrasts the effects money has on rural and urban environments.

The 4-H students will be submitting their art to the Whitley County Fair after July 15^th when registration opens. The art will be judged, then one student’s art from each category will be entered into the Kentucky State Fair. The summer arts classes will increase Whitley County youth art entries at the County Fair and Kentucky State Fair.