One year ago, our organization was beginning to celebrate Youth Art Month at the State and County levels. For many of us, the last big event we attended was the State YAM celebration at the State House. The past 12 months have challenged each of us in unprecedented ways thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our schools have closed, our events have been canceled or moved to a screen, and many of us have experienced loss during this time. Despite all this, we find ourselves in the month of March – the month of celebration for so many art educators – and our organization is still here to celebrate the work of art educators as they support young artists around the state.
Now more than ever, the arts are essential to the students we teach. Art educators provide a space where learning and expression connect in meaningful ways. Our work is vital to our students, our schools, and our community.
Though our events look different and our plans have changed, it’s March and we are excited to recognize our County YAM Chairs – a group of art educators who volunteer to organize events for the students and educators in their county. Many of their events were canceled in 2020, but this didn’t stop them from coming back to celebrate student artists and their teachers in 2021. Please take a moment to honor these special volunteers who serve our counties even during difficult times!
Jennifer Burke – Atlantic County
Tenley Escoffery – Bergen County
Jennifer – Bergen County
Niki Williams – Camden County
Jazlyne Wooden – Camden County
Aaron Weber – Gloucester County
Patricia Nehrbauer – Gloucester County
Amanda Genovino-Palumbo – Essex County
Martha Garcia – Hudson County
Kelly Wenz – Hudson County
Barbara Weinstein – Warren County
Danielle Davis – Mercer County
Barbara Russo – Mercer County
Kristen Barth – Middlesex County
Susan Catrone – Middlesex County
Morgan Gualtieri – Middlesex County
Alison Farrington – Monmouth County
Elizabeth Wassel – Morris County
Jenna Beverly – Ocean County
Lisa Miller – Passaic County
Aleksandra Drobik – Somerset County
Whitney Ehnert – Somerset County
Denise Pereira – Somerset County
Joanna Netta – Union County
Carrie Russoniello – Union County