MARCH is YOUTH ART MONTH!
This year’s YAM Theme is “Art Connects Us.”

Here are some ways to participate:

• Help us celebrate by nominating a student artist .
• Complete this form to nominate a STUDENT ARTIST SPOTLIGHT .
  
• Let us know how you celebrate YAM HERE.
• Follow the suggested calendar activities and hashtag us on your social media page.
• Go to a YAM county reception see this calendar for details.

Find your 2020 YAM County Chair here: https://aenj.org/yam-chairs/

In response to COVID-19, many art events are now happening virtually. Some teachers have posted their student’s work online. Some teachers have created and hosted virtual gallery tours. What events have you facilitated digitally, or online, as a result of this new way of life? We would love to know! Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Please fill out this google form to share your news: ​https://forms.gle/KcjmMtDDFaowF8ST6

We would love to learn about your students, their artwork, and how art has allowed them to connect with others, an artist, an art history movement, or even with themselves.  Please fill out all sections of this google form to be considered for our YAM Student Artist Spotlight feature: https://forms.gle/FqH4w6NSXC6wrPvT6   *****Please note, by sharing pictures of your student and their work, you affirm that the parent/guardian has given consent for the student’s image and artwork to be shown on the internet and social media sites. This will be featured on our instagram, blog, and twitter accounts.  Last names will not be used*****

Let’s hear it, NJ!!! How do you plan to celebrate Youth Art Month? What special events are you planning on hosting?  Are you planning any art activities within your community? Are you host any art-related PD (virtual instruction) sessions for your colleagues? Are you currently planning an art show for parents?  We want to recognize you and your accomplishments!  Please let us know how you plan on celebrating YAM by completing this google form: https://forms.gle/NCBD5jdWggnDjJP86  Email us at yam@aenj.org or message us for more information.

Please help support NJ YAM by completing an online endorsement. It takes less than a minute! Your participation is greatly appreciated! Please fill out this link:  https://forms.gle/xeUtn1yBuxrRYRLo6

2021 Youth Art Month Design Contest 
Entries Due: January 30, 2021

GUIDELINES FOR 2021 YAM DESIGN COMPETITION:

• Designs must be created by current students of AENJ members
• Designs must be submitted on 12” by 18” paper, horizontal format
• Designs may be submitted digitally – in 12” by 18” horizontal format
• Designs must include the YAM Theme (in bold lettering):  

ART CONNECTS US

• • DO NOT INCLUDE THE YAM LOGO IN THE DESIGN!

• Design must include the words: New Jersey or NJ
• Design must be a bold, 2-D, simple, flat-color design for reproduction.   
• No more than three (3) entries per teacher
• Designs must be submitted & received no later than January 30, 2021 at 11:59 pm

ART TEACHERS: Please follow ALL directions on the 2021 YAM Design Contest Entry Form HERE.

Celebrate Youth Art Month by participating in the YAM Design Contest!  The Art Educators of New Jersey join other state art organizations to participate in the 2021 Youth Art Month Design Competition.  Winning entries will be chosen using a rubric and used to celebrate Youth Art Month in New Jersey.  The winning entries will be displayed on Artsonia and as part of New Jersey’s Digital State YAM Celebration for 2021.  Those teachers will be contacted and will be given further information.

For more information about the poster contest, please contact the 

AENJ Youth Art Month Co-Chairs: Claudia, Jenn, and Karen at yam@aenj.org

2019 – 2020

YOUTH ART MONTH DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS

Theme: Take a Journey Through Art

High School Invitation
Jessica Zhang, Kingsway Regional High School, grade 11
Teacher: Denise Desiderio

Elementary InvitationLilliana Maragliano-Terhune, Memorial Elementary School, grade 4
Teacher: Tenley Escoffery

Flag DesignTalia Metcalf, Delsea Regional High School, grade 10
Teacher: Pamela DeRose

Button DesignMichelle Liu, John P. Stevens High School, grade 11
Teacher: Alison Paolello

Billboard DesignReet Kampani, John P. Stevens High School, grade 9
Teacher: Sherry Yee

Poster Design
Kwadwo Boateng, James Monroe Elementary School, grade 5
Teacher: Lori DeCoite

T-Shirt Design
Sofia Moattari, Joseph Battin School No. 4, grade 3
Teacher: Tracey Gale

Celebrate Youth Art Month by participating in the YAM Design Contest!  The Art Educators of New Jersey join other state art organizations to participate in the 2020 Youth Art Month Design Competition.  Seven winning entries will be chosen and used to celebrate Youth Art Month in New Jersey.  One winning entry will be replicated for the state YAM flag and flown during the 2020 NAEA Conference in Minneapolis.  Other winning entries will be transformed into our state YAM poster, YAM button, YAM billboard, YAM t-shirt, and two YAM invitations.

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:

1. Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society.

2. Recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all.

3. Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking.

4. Expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs.

5. Encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere.

6. Provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.

7. Increase community, business and governmental support for art education.

8. Increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures.

9. Reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.