celebrate Youth Art Month (YAM). Youth Art Month is an annual observance every March to emphasize the
value of art education for all youth and to encourage support for quality school art programs. YAM provides a
forum for acknowledging skills that are fostered through experience in the visual arts that are not possible in
other subjects offered in the curriculum.
The NAEA Convention is being held March 7-10 in Fort Worth, Texas. This year, the Youth Art Month
Museum and Flag Award Ceremony will be held in the exhibit area of the NAEA. Students in grades K-12
across the country participate in a national Youth Art Month flag design program, with each participating state
selecting one design that represents their state and the creative spirit of YAM.
The Council for Art Education voted to recognize the following YAM Chairpersons for their outstanding
participation in YAM 2012. Claire Flanagan Memorial (Grand) Award: Jennifer Tiongson of New Jersey.
Awards of Excellence: Katie Harrison and Whitney Riker of Georgia; Virginia Berthelot, Carolee Brophy Miller,
and Jennifer Keith of Louisiana; and Julia Lang-Shapiro and Donnalyn Shuster of New York. Awards of Merit:
Vicki Breen and Janine Shafer of New Mexico, Jimi Herd of Virginia, Beverly Staub and Allie Staub of Indiana,
Mary Jane Coker of Alabama, and Jennifer Goodnough of Wisconsin. Special Recognition: Shawny
Montgomery of Kansas and Beverly Staub and Allie Staub of Indiana. Awards will be presented at the 2013
NAEA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.
If you would like to get involved in any of the activities celebrating Youth Art Month, contact the Chairperson
in your area by going to www.arteducators.org. Don’t miss out on the celebration!
###