Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.
Youth Art Month was created in 1961 by ACMI, a non-profit association of art and craft materials manufacturers, in cooperation with the NAEA. In 1984, ACMI created CFAE to administer the national Youth Art Month program and encourage funding for the program. Current members of the Council include: ACMI, which provides all administrative support and the majority of funding for national Youth Art Month; NAEA, whose members carry out local Youth Art Month activities and whose state affiliates help fund state Youth Art Month programs; The SHIP, a group of art materials exhibitors at the annual NAEA Convention; and the General Federation of Women's Clubs, a volunteer women's organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Other involved organizations include the Association of Crafts & Creative Industries, Hobby Industries Association, and National Art Materials Trade Association.
How Do I Get Involved in Youth Art Month in My Community?
Anyone can start an observance. In most states and local areas, art educators organize observances and seek the support and help of others in their schools and community, including businesspeople, other art teachers, parents, librarians, youth organization leaders, and others who have a genuine concern for quality art programs and who are willing to work with others in the school system or community.
Links & Resources:
» What is YAM?
(from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)
» YAM Information Booklet (from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)
» YAM List of Ideas (from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)
» Tennessee's Youth Art Month Wiki: http://yamintn.wikispaces.com/home (Courtesy of Amy Broady, TN Youth Art Month Co-Chair)
» NAEA Monthly Mentor Blog
» What is YAM?
(from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)» YAM Information Booklet
(from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)» YAM List of Ideas
(from the Council for Art Education, Inc.)» Tennessee's Youth Art Month Wiki: http://yamintn.wikispaces.com/home (Courtesy of Amy Broady, TN Youth Art Month Co-Chair)
» NAEA Monthly Mentor Blog
Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate YAM:
Present at a school board meeting! Talk to your principals asap so you can get yourself on the March agenda now! Make it an annual event- thank your board for all they've done to support the arts at your school or district while explaining to them the IMPORTANCE of art education! Bring a powerpoint presentation, students and their artwork or simply speak about your goals, achievements as a department and future plans. But most of all remember to THANK YOUR SCHOOL BOARD for their support and the OPPORTUNITY to present!
Showcase your student's work in the community! Talk to the local coffee shop and see if they are willing to showcase your kiddo's work for the month- or even a week! Do you have a YMCA? I bet they would allow you to put up a display! Put a display in your local public library! What's going on in the local "assisted living" homes in your area? Nothing puts a smile on a little old lady's face like some student artwork!
Celebrate with your students! Let your freak flag fly! I mean, have your students create YAM flags! Or do some other "novel" type art project in honor and celebration of Youth Art Month!
Host an annual Youth Art Month show! What a great opportunity to showcase student work of all ages!
Get planning now as February will come and go all to quick!
