In order to be responsive to Whitley County Residents’ needs during Covid-19, the Whitley County Arts Extension team identified an opportunity to continue to provide hands-on arts instruction through socially distanced learning by creating take-home art packets for residents to experience. These packets were targeted toward families confined within their home that have traditionally received instruction in-person at the art center.   

The Arts Extension staff created 410 packets that included needed art supplies, an art history lesson, step-by-step instructions, and contact information to allow residents to create meaningful arts engagement at their own home.  The staff collaborated with local teachers as well as the Family Resource/Youth Services Center to remove barriers to access. Through these take-home art projects, we served 50 families within Whitley County, and thanks to innovative and nontraditional marketing approaches, we reached new members of the community that had not previously utilized Extension services.

Most participants were not familiar with several art forms that we shared in our packets and valued both the hands-on arts instruction as well as the educational materials on artists and art styles throughout history.  One participant stated, “I have learned so much about Picasso and the art style ‘cubism.’ Thank you for expanding my knowledge with artist[s], their histories, and styles.”

By incorporating art games and techniques in the packets, Arts Extension staff discovered a new, engaging way to provide instruction outside of the traditional Extension model, as well as introduced families to new art materials they did not have access to otherwise.  When asked about the experience, one parent said, “While doing the art packets with my daughter, we have been able to have ‘us time.’ We both have become more open to different skill levels with the furnished art supplies. We would have never been able to learn the different art styles if it weren’t for the packets.   We both love the step by step directions that come along with the packets. They are broke- down so that any level person can create a masterpiece.”

This valuable feedback proves that Whitley County residents are never too old or young to meet their mental and emotional needs by receiving access to quality arts and artistic skill development through the Whitley County Extension Community Arts Center.