Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Youth Art Month (YAM) is a specific celebration of the visual arts during the month of March. The Wisconsin Arts Educators Association displays selected student art work from across the state each year at the East Towne Mall in Madison during the month of March culminating in a celebration and award ceremony on March 31.
This year, Laura Roeker, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Director of Teaching and Learning, will give remarks during the event. Photos of some of the art work including the DPI selections can be seen below. Congratulations to all of the visual art students and teachers who do such an outstanding job throughout the year!
Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. Started in 1961 through The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI), Youth Art Month exists to:
- Recognize art education as a vital factor in a total education curriculum that develops citizens of a global society;
- Recognize art is necessary for the full development of a better quality of life for all;
- Direct attention to the value of art education for encouraging divergent and critical thinking;
- Expand art programs in schools and stimulate and nurture the development of 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 of 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.
This item was submitted by Chris Gleason, Consultant, Arts and Creativity in the Division of Teaching and Learning at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.