Petersburg, Ill. – In an effort to promote creativity, community, and artistic expression, Menard County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) at the Jaycee Park in Petersburg in collaboration with the Town and Country Women’s Club, the Menard County Farm Bureau, and the Menard County Family Collaborative. This innovative project invites community members of all ages and skill levels to make and enjoy miniature art pieces.
The concept of the Free Little Art Gallery, originally credited to Seattle-based artist Stacy Milrany in 2020, has quickly spread across the United States and beyond, with installations in Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Like the popular Little Free Libraries, FLAGs operate on a "take one, leave one" basis, encouraging community interaction and creative sharing.
“The idea of a Free Little Art Gallery was a natural fit for 4-H’s experiential learning model,” says Danielle Gapinski, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “Here, youth can gain experiences not only in art education but in community engagement, problem-solving, and critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration. The simple concept can open so many doors for youth engaged in this project.”
“Free Little Art Galleries promote the belief that everyone can make art and anyone can own it,” added Gapinski. “It’s a beautiful way to break down barriers to creativity and celebrate the diverse voices within our community.”
The Menard County 4-H Free Little Art Gallery is offering free take and make kits to assist in participants’ artistic journey. The monthly free kits will be available as a first-come first-served basis from August through October and again in March through May. Follow the 4-H in Logan-Menard-Sangamon (LMS) Unit Facebook page for updates on the Free Little Art Gallery or for more information, please contact the Menard County Extension Office at 217-632-7491.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.