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!