Youth Art Month

What is Youth Art Month?

Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month at the national level. Festivities take place annually, traditionally culminating each March, to celebrate visual arts for grades K – 12. The Youth Art Month Program emphasizes the value of art education for all children, encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. Youth Art Month also provides a forum for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences that are not possible in other curriculum subjects. Started in 1961 through The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) and in cooperation with the National Art Education Association (NAEA), Youth Art Month exists to

• Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society.
• Recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all.
• Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking.
• Expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs.
• Encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere.
• Provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.
• Increase community, business and governmental support for art education.
• Increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures.
• Reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.

Please note that Council for Art Education is the national sponsor of Youth Art Month

If you have any questions about what to include on your website please contact youthart@ilaea.org

Lead a celebration at your school, community, or learning environment!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Display the downloadable Youth Art Month logo located on the YAM Homepage , along with student artwork.
• Invite local artists to come to school and share their artwork and art-making processes with students.
• Ask your administrators and school board to endorse March as Youth Art Month ; declare it in school-wide publications.
• Host an afternoon or weekend student-led art-making festival for the community.
• Partner with a local business or the local government to use student artwork for publicity purposes.
• Contact local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations to cover your event!
• Host a potluck breakfast before school for parents and students to recognize outstanding student artists in your school.
• Create a bulletin board based on the state theme.
• Get local businesses to support your efforts and keep track of who donates anything whether it’s money or time. We need to report who is supporting our programs.
• Follow YOUTH ART MONTH board on Pinterest to see and share ideas.
• Be sure to check out these useful letters for your principal, Superintendent, and library services.

Each Year, IAEA submits a statewide report to the national youth art month chairperson. Please help strengthen Illinois’ portfolio by documenting your efforts in celebrating YAM in your own community.

Please send any publicity, newspaper articles, or printed YAM documentation you produce during the Month of March. You can use this form or email any photos, press clippings, sample items, or video documentation to youthart@ilaea.org

 Congratulations to the 2019 YAM winners!

 Congratulations to the 2018 YAM winners!

 Congratulations to the 2017 YAM winners!

Congratulations to the 2016 YAM winners!

 Congratulations to the 2015 YAM winners!

YAM Endorsement

Illinois Youth Art Month Coordinator
Tricia Frost
YouthArt@Ilaea.org