Building community through creative exchange in the Cov // Intercultural Microgrant Guest Blog
The following guest blog is from 2024 Intercultural Microgrant recipient Artmarkit, who received funding through our partner Kentucky Foundation for Women. Learn more about this project at kyrux.org/microgrants/2024 and connect with Artmarkit at artmarkitcov.com.
As a teacher, I learned early on that one of the most powerful things we can do for young people is to listen with intention and create spaces for them to shine.
During my time teaching art at Holmes Middle School, I saw firsthand the creativity and resilience of our youth. But I also witnessed the challenges they face, especially the lack of safe, supportive spaces outside of home or school where they can explore their creativity, connect with mentors, and simply be themselves.
That is the inspiration behind Artmarkit — a creative reuse hub and third space where art, community, and connection come together. As soon as we opened this past September, we started a Creative Youth Membership, a group only for local youth that is free to join for 11- to 18-year-olds in Kenton County. This membership then birthed a Monthly Series where we explore various themes such as architecture, portraiture, and product design. The Creative Youth Monthly Series gives access to the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to not only grow as artists but also as individuals.
This program isn’t just about art supplies or lessons — it’s about building a community where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to express themselves. It’s about creating a space where art becomes a vehicle for connection, self-discovery, and intercultural understanding.
“I have all the resources I need to create what I want.” —Trinity, Creative Youth Member
Bridging the Gap for Covington’s Youth
Covington’s young people face a unique set of challenges. Many lack access to “third spaces”—places that aren’t home or school but serve as safe environments for growth and exploration. This absence leaves a void that can make it harder for youth to discover their passions and build connections.
At Artmarkit, we’re working to fill that gap. Our Creative Youth Membership (CYM) offers a consistent, welcoming space where youth can gather, create, and collaborate. Wwith Covington’s school system reporting that 68% of students fall below the poverty line and that the district is one of the most diverse in Kentucky, this work feels especially urgent. These monthly gatherings offer a chance for young people to not only access art supplies and mentorship but also to find a sense of belonging in a community that values their voices. Youth have access to Artmarkit as a third space any time it is open during the week and weekends.
“It feels different [at Artmarkit] because you have more freedom, and whenever you don’t know what to do, you can always ask for help” —Suli, CYM
Creating Together: A Glimpse Into the Monthly Series
Since launching the series in November, the membership has brought together 23 incredible young people of Covington to explore their creativity and connect with local professionals who share their own artistic journeys. These events are a blend of learning, self-expression, and collaboration that spark curiosity and build inner confidence through art-making and discussion. I want to give kids the space to ask questions and get answers from people they might not ever get the chance to sit down and hear from.
Our series began with a “Meet & Mingle,” giving youth the chance to connect and get to know one another. We had a bunch of great snacks and envisioned the upcoming months of the Creative Youth Monthly Series. They left with an application for membership, a calendar for what’s ahead, and a project that included choosing an artist tag and providing a piece of art that speaks to their personality and art style right now. From there, we dove into Series 1: Portraiture and the Figure, followed by Series 2: Landscapes and Architecture.
Left to right: Flier sent out about the first event of the series. Youth gathered at Artmarkit to meet n’ mingle. Artwork by Jasper, CYM.
Members were excited to be back at Artmarkit in December for the first part of the series, where we focused on portraiture and the figure. The objective was twofold: to equip members with the art supplies they needed to begin building their personal toolkits and to introduce techniques for creating works of art centered around the face and figure. Using charcoal as our medium, we explored tone and light—or the absence of it—to build the structure of a face, emphasizing how these elements bring portraits to life. We had a powerful conversation about how portraiture is woven throughout so many facets of our world. Together, we explored how it shows up in diverse media—painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and even digital forms—and how it has been used across cultures and eras to tell stories, preserve moments, and reflect identity. We also discussed its historical significance, emphasizing the role of portraiture in writing our own stories and honoring the people around us. This exploration helped our youth see portraiture not just as a skill but as a meaningful way to express who they are and connect with others on a deeper level.
Each attendee left with new tools in hand: a sketchbook, graphite pencil, kneaded eraser, tortillions, charcoal, and a sharpener. These supplies weren’t just practical additions to their toolkits; they were the starting point for their creative journeys, encouraging them to practice and experiment beyond our sessions. Part 2 of the series would be a month later, and in the meantime, they were sent home with the task of creating a work of art based around the theme of Portraiture or the Figure. Their art could be made using any chosen art media, and all ideas were welcome. Artmarkit and myself as a resource are always available in the meantime.
Above: Kit reviewing and teaching about portraits and the figure at Part 1 of the monthly series.
In January, we kicked off part two of the series with an exploration of landscapes and architecture, and it was exciting to see even more youth join us this time. The growing energy and enthusiasm were undeniable as members came together to dive into a new artistic focus. At the beginning of the event I had the group reviewing thumbnail sketching, providing them with micron pens, a ruler, and a set of colored pencils.
This session, in particular, allowed us to reflect on the concept of place—both as a source of inspiration and as a connection to our community here in Kentucky. We were thrilled to welcome two guest speakers Erin and S. Kroeger, who helped guide the youth in understanding how to observe and recreate the details of the world around them. Erin answered questions about her journey to becoming an architect and shared her early sketchbooks up until now. From rural landscapes to urban architecture, we discussed how art can capture the essence of place and tell a story about where we come from. Kroeger took us through a practice he uses in his own daily life from American Cartoonist Lynda Barry. From start to finish in seven steps led by Kroeger, everyone in the room had pen to paper creating.
“Images allow us to find a place for a memory to land” — S. Kroeger
Beyond the artistic techniques, we talked about the importance of observation and how it’s a vital skill—not just in art, but in life and future careers. Members were encouraged to think about how their ability to notice details, understand spaces, and creatively interpret the world could open doors to careers in design, architecture, engineering, urban planning, and beyond.
“I have gained confidence and I’ve learned to be open-minded with creating” — Trinity, CYM
“My goal is to go worldwide, and Artmarkit gives me the space to practice doing that” — Thomas, CYM
Above: CYM at the shop for the Creative Youth Monthly Series Part 2: Landscapes and Architecture.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about what’s next:
• Series 3 in February: Portfolio and Personal Branding
• Series 4 in March: Abstract, Expressive, and Creative Arts
• Series 5 in April: Product Design and Fabrication
The year will culminate with a two-day event on May 3rd and 4th, where our youth members will showcase and sell at an art show and market. This event will not only highlight their incredible talent but also give them a platform to share their work with the broader community. We are working with our amazing neighbors, The Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington, to ensure the event reaches as many as possible. Our goal is to provide real opportunities for the youth to be recognized for their work and how important their art, story, and life are to this community. This series helps us create plans for bright, exciting futures right here in the Cov. Be sure to visit Artmarkit’s website for updates on the event page about the upcoming market or subscribe to stay in the know with our weekly newsletter.
We are extremely grateful for the Kentucky Foundation for Women and the Kentucky Rural-Exchange. Their belief and support in this program have allowed us to turn an idea into a powerful reality, and I’m endlessly grateful for their commitment to Covington’s youth. There has been nothing but support through every step of this process.
Much love to all of y’all,
— Kit @ Artmarkit
The Kentucky Intercultural Microgrant Program is a seed grant to support two or more individuals or organizations collaborating across distance, difference, or sector on projects that celebrate and connect Kentucky's people and places.
Launched with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Fund for the Arts, the Monument Workshop at UK, the Josh May Memorial Fund, and individual donors, the 2024 Microgrant Program invests in a series of seed grants (awards from $250-2000) to support short-term projects that foster dialogue, connection, or collaboration among Kentuckians from disparate backgrounds, identities, or experiences. Projects that involve diverse partners and invite the public to participate are preferred.