Covington arts commission reports steady public turnout at 2025 events, expands school partnerships

Paloma, chair of the Covington Arts Commission, told a joint study session of the City Council and Arts Commission that the commission saw strong repeat participation at its 2025 maker’s markets and family events and is expanding partnerships with schools and local arts groups.

The presentation, given during a council-commission study session, said the commission’s spring and fall maker’s markets, Covington Days and Kids Fest all drew returning families and multigenerational participation. The commission added an art bus at Kids Fest this year to increase accessibility and said it intends to continue outreach to families who have limited access to art supplies at home.

“The children of all ages…could join, create their ideas, and then submit them,” Paloma said of the coloring contest held at the maker’s market, describing a pattern of repeat engagement among parents and children who visit multiple events.

Why it matters: the commission framed the events as part of a broader strategy to build ongoing creative participation across ages and neighborhoods, and to connect school groups and volunteer organizations to civic arts programming. Officials and commissioners said direct distribution of art supplies at events addresses a gap for families who lack basic materials at home.

Details from the session: - Quilting show: The Covington Quilters Guild staged an annual show at Jenkins Creek Park described by the commission as a long-running community effort; the commission said members have been active for decades and presented a large exhibit (the chair referred to roughly 35 years of activity). The guild made commemorative ribbons for winners. - School partnerships: Commission members reported outreach to the Kent School District; Faith Cicely of the Kent School District (referenced by commission members) coordinated a student art contest that drew more than 400 submissions. The commission said it plans further coordination to avoid scheduling conflicts and to expand joint contests and displays. - Volunteer engagement: Commissioners and council members praised the role of volunteers and local groups — including theater volunteers, quilters, and parks staff — in staging events and in mentoring youth. - Accessibility: The arts commission added an art bus at Kids Fest this year and described it as a way to bring art programming to families who may not otherwise be able to access it.

During the session council members and commissioners also discussed logistical details of the maker’s markets, including vendor layout and parking. Several commissioners suggested spreading booths across more of the venue to create a larger pedestrian flow and to reduce midday crowding near popular booths. The commission said it will pass those suggestions to event staff.

The presentation closed with the commission urging continued coordination among city departments, schools and volunteer organizations to sustain the momentum seen in 2025 events.