YAM, a celebration of the visual arts, is a national program administered by The Council for Art Education (CFAE). Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs and provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:
• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Observation
• Communication
Here at HPS, we celebrate YAM with a variety of annual activities including Draw BIG! Draw BIG is literally the biggest drawing event of the year! Imagination and creativity abound during this very popular activity.
During individual art class students transform an actual yam into a piece of art using paint, markers, sequins, glitter, or clay. Their only limitation is their imagination!
Commemorative magnets and stickers (created by students) for book bags and lockers help to spread the word about the importance of Youth Art Month.
YAM was started in 1961 through The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI), Youth Art Month and exists to:
- Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curricular that develops citizens of a global society.
- Recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all.
- Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking.
- Expand art programs in schools and stimulate 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 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.
