4-H, UK Extension Office offering free creative activities for families
BY KYLE CREAMER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Transform the Storybook Walk of Inez into a trail of colorful murals using chalk in the ancient tradition of street painting at this year’s Appalachian Artist Festival (AAF). The free “Chalk the Walk” event and additional creative activities for the family are on tap for Aug. 3, courtesy of Martin County 4-H and the UK Martin County Cooperative Extension Office.
4-H agent Nicole Hinkle is excited about the festival in downtown Inez and the activities that are in store.
“Enjoy the day,” Hinkle said. “It’s going to be a beautiful day full of art and exciting things.”
Chalk the Walk takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Storybook Walk, where each festival attendee can decorate a square of the sidewalk that runs along the creek behind Court Street.
The 4-H program will also provide free paint, canvases and brushes for youth to create an Appalachian scenery that they can take home with them.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and their creative ideas,” said Hinkle.
As a special treat, the photography works of Martin County Youth from the 4-H exhibit in February will be on display at the festival.
The Martin County Extension Office booth will be set up at the festival. It will feature additional free activities along with an information table where folks can find out about upcoming 4-H art projects.
Asya Jarrell, the agent for family and consumer sciences in Martin County, will also be on hand with information about upcoming classes and activities that she is planning.
Hinkle assured the extension office and 4-H will continue to be involved in the festival in the future.
The Appalachian Artist Festival, hosted by the City of Inez, began in 2023 to celebrate Appalachian culture and creativity. It will kick off with the performing arts as The Inez Dance Academy students take the stage at 10 a.m.
Free live music concerts start at 11 a.m. and run until 11 p.m. (See the schedule in this week’s newspaper.)
Vendors will display and sell their special creations.
Look for a gathering of artists, painters, sketchers, writers, photographers, storytellers, wood carvers, hat designers, quilters, jewelry makers, and all manner of creative folk.
There will be plenty of food and beverage vendors on hand.
“I hope everyone will come out and enjoy all this and more at the festival,” commented Hinkle.
Appalachian Artist Festival t-shirts, coffee mugs and merch are on sale now at quinn-co-studio.myshopify.com/. All profits directly support the festival.
