Orange County, Florida, an urban county with a boasting a population of 1.4 million residents, faces a distinctive demographic trend with a homeowner rate of 56%, notably below the national average of 64%. This indicates a higher proportion of renters and apartment dwellers within our community. In order to expand the reach of our horticultural efforts beyond the limitations of traditional homeownership and include all residents, our Master Gardener Volunteer Program developed the Garden Art (gARTening) program, aimed to appeal to a wider audience. Beyond mere attraction of new attendees, our focus was to increase: office foot traffic, awareness of UF/IFAS Extension Services, and create a unique hands-on program that maintained affordability while generating revenue. We developed "The gARTening Program," featuring unique garden-related art projects, to achieve our objectives. Classes ranged from 1-2 hours and $5-35, with topics such as terrariums, kokedamas, pressed flower art, and more. Collaborating with Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs), we created educational materials such as PowerPoints, handouts, and economical shopping lists. Our diverse approach attracted a broad audience, including young families, mother-daughter pairs, couples, and individuals, fostering inclusivity and engagement. The outcomes of the gARTening Program exceeded expectations: • Revenue generated in one year: $3200 • 47% of participants were new to UF/IFAS Extension and had never utilized our services before. • 70% joined due to the unique hands-on experience. • 95% indicated they gained knowledge of UF/IFAS Extension services as a result of attending the workshop. • Additionally, participants showed continued engagement, with many signing up for additional classes, volunteering with 4-H or becoming an MGV, and promoting our services to others. The gARTening Program not only met, but surpassed its objectives, illustrating its efficacy in community engagement and revenue generation. By offering unique experiences, we heightened awareness of UF/IFAS Extension Services, attracting new participants and fostering long-term engagement. The program's success underscores the potential for innovative education methods to address funding challenges while advancing community outreach and awareness. This model holds broader implications for enhancing community well-being and supporting sustainable organizational growth.
