Grayson Gallery Announces Outdoor “Plein Air” Painting Classes This July. The Grayson Gallery is inviting local artists and hobbyists to step outside and get creative with a new round of “Plein Air” painting classes this July, taught by regional artist Michael Sexton.
Plein air—French for “open air”—is the art of painting outdoors, where artists can capture natural light, color, and atmosphere directly from the world around them. The practice has been popular with painters for centuries and now locals will have a chance to experience it firsthand through these engaging summer classes.
The sessions will offer instruction, inspiration, and community as participants gather to learn the art of outdoor painting from a seasoned professional. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up by June 30 to secure a spot in the upcoming workshops.
Sign-in sheets are available now at the Grayson Gallery on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., during Lacy Hunt’s drop-in art sessions, as well as during the Pride in the Arts opening reception on June 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Organizers say this is just the beginning, with more workshops on the horizon, including collage art with Bruce and Carrie Hartman and drop-in classes for mixed media and assemblage.
For more information or to express interest, reach out directly to the Grayson Gallery. Don’t miss the chance to get creative and connect with fellow artists under the summer sky!
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Grayson is set to kick off the official start of summer with a full day of fun, laughter, and community spirit at the 2025 Longest Day of Play, taking place on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grayson Sports Park. The event is free and open to the public, and promises an unforgettable experience for kids and families alike.
Hosted by the UK Cooperative Extension Service, this beloved annual celebration invites local families to enjoy a jam-packed schedule of outdoor games, creative activities, giveaways, music, and more including activities for all ages.
There will be something for every child to enjoy—from classic favorites like sidewalk chalk, duck pond, and ball toss to energetic challenges like a ninja obstacle course and splash pad adventures. Creative kids can dive into sand art and summer crafts, while little thrill-seekers won’t want to miss Plinko, dancing, and the always-popular Helicopter Candy Drop, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the field behind the amphitheater courtesy of First National Bank.
The fun continues throughout the day with Storytime in the Park at 11:30 a.m. led by FCS Extension Agent Whitney Morrow at the main shelter, followed by a free school lunch at 12:30 p.m. for youth ages 18 and under.
More than just play it offers an impressive lineup of local vendors and organizations who will be stationed around the baseball fields offering giveaways, games, and activities. Participating groups include: Primary Plus, City National Bank, UK King’s Daughters, East Carter YSC, Empower Athletics, DCBS-Foster Care, Commercial Bank, Carter County Health Department, First Baptist Church, FCC Kids Ministry, and many more. It’s a day built not only for fun, but also for connection and community support.
From the splash of the water pad to the excitement of cotton candy and candy falling from the sky, the Longest Day of Play is a joyful celebration of childhood, summertime, and community unity.
Bring your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and get ready to play your heart out. It’s all happening Friday, June 20, and it’s absolutely free. For more details, contact (606) 474-6686 or email whitney.morrow@uky.edu.
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A reminder for local farmers participating in this year’s County Agriculture Investment Program—also known as CAIP—the next big deadline is quickly approaching.
CAIP is a vital initiative made possible through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, providing financial support to help farmers make meaningful improvements to their operations. Eligible investment areas range from agricultural diversification and farm infrastructure to innovative ag systems and more.
While the application period has already closed, those approved for the program now face a critical next step. According to the Carter County Soil and Conservation District, all required documentation for CAIP producers must be submitted no later than June 30th.
That documentation includes a producer’s report, valid receipts from the approved six-month retroactive period, and proof of payment such as cancelled checks or bank statements. Participants must also complete the program’s educational requirement within that same six-month retroactive period—but it’s important to note that BQCA, SRQA, and PQA trainings cannot be used to meet the education requirement if your selected investment area falls under those categories. Any specific investment area prerequisites must also be met.
And finally, once paperwork has been turned in, site visits will be conducted to ensure compliance and completion of approved projects.
Producers are encouraged to reach out to the Carter County Soil and Conservation District if they have any questions or need assistance meeting the June 30th deadline.