Youth Art Month (YAM) is sponsored each March by the Georgia Art Educators Association (GAEA) in order to "emphasize the value of art and art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs." The purposes of Youth Art Month reach across several platforms:
* To direct attention to the value of art education's benefits in the areas of divergent and critical thinking; multicultural awareness; and technical, communication, and expressive skills
* To increase community, business, and governmental support for art education
* To recognize the necessity of art for higher quality of life
* To expand existing art programs in schools and stimulate new ones
* To increase community understanding and interest in art and art education
* To provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning
* To encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere
* To recognize art education as a viable component of the total education curriculum
The theme for the 2002 Youth Art Month celebration in Georgia is "Picture This." In keeping with this theme, artwork from students across the state will be displayed at the Capitol Art Exhibit sponsored by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. Additionally, GAEA is organizing local photographers around the state to come into schools and teach students about the art of photography. To arrange for a photographer to visit your school, or for more information, contact Ms. Kirby Meng, Georgia YAM Chair at (770) 210-8564, or kmeng@bellsouth.net.
