By: Allisyn Stratton, 4-H Program Assistant
Sebastian County 4-H has partnered with the Fort Smith Regional Airport to bring a youth art exhibit to the airport’s main lobby. Located near the TSA checkpoint, the installation is designed to raise awareness of 4-H’s impact in the community while showcasing the talent, creativity, and hard work of local youth involved in the program. The exhibit also aims to broaden the public’s understanding of 4-H, highlighting that its reach extends far beyond farms and barns.
The exhibit will be updated throughout the year, with the inaugural display featuring photography created by 4-H members ages 5 to 19. The photographs were selected from more than 50 Sebastian County entries submitted to a statewide 4-H Photography Contest.
The featured images were captured by Sebastian County 4-H members Karly Jones, Evey Wallace, Anakin Payne, and Luke Sanders. Taken throughout Arkansas, these photographs offer a unique glimpse into the world through the eyes of young people. From everyday moments and personal interests to the natural beauty and character of their surroundings, each image reflects the creativity, perspective, and storytelling abilities of its photographer.
Arkansas 4-H is the premier youth development program of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. Its mission is to provide opportunities for young people to gain knowledge, develop life skills, build positive attitudes, and practice behaviors that prepare them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.
4-H programs are built on the belief that youth learn best by doing. Members complete hands-on projects in areas such as science, health, arts, agriculture, and citizenship while receiving guidance from caring adult mentors. Along the way, they are encouraged to develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and discover new interests in a supportive environment.
At the center of the airport display stands the iconic 4-H emblem—a four-leaf clover with an “H” on each leaf representing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The large metal clover was generously donated by Kopco, Inc. of Fort Smith. Positioned prominently within the exhibit, it is expected to catch the attention of the more than 120,000 passengers and visitors who travel through the Fort Smith Regional Airport each year.
To make the exhibit engaging for younger travelers, the display also includes free crayons, coloring sheets, and informational materials about 4-H, giving children and families an opportunity to learn more about the program while waiting for their flights.
This collaboration reflects the growing support Sebastian County 4-H continues to receive from local businesses and community partners that recognize the value of investing in young people and their interests.
“It’s thrilling to see this exhibit come to life and grab so much attention as you walk through the front doors of the Fort Smith Regional Airport,” said Sebastian County 4-H Agent Megan Adkins. “I’m incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and support of the airport staff in making this opportunity a reality for our 4-H members. I hope more kids in Fort Smith will discover what our program has to offer, and that we’ll have the opportunity to work with their families in the future. Maybe we’ll even see a 4-H club return to the city.”
The youth art exhibit is now open to the public in the Fort Smith Regional Airport lobby and will continue to feature new artwork from Sebastian County 4-H members throughout the year. Even if you don’t have any upcoming travel plans that require a flight, you can always visit the Fort Smith Regional Airport to check out the Aviation Museum displays and the new 4-H installation. For more information about getting involved in Sebastian County 4-H, please call 479-484-7737.
