Where in the world is Youth Art Month? Youth Art Month (YAM) is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all students and to encourage support for quality school art programs.

Youth Art Month [YAM) is in virtually every state, in many communities, in schools, libraries, stores, and other places. Anyone can start an observance--an art educator, a parent, a librarian, a youth organization leader, a businessperson, a student--anyone who has a genuine concern for quality art programs and who is willing to work with others in the school system or community. The observance may be small or large, and may range from a single exhibit to a community-wide or statewide project.

The earlier you start planning your activities, the more effective your observance will be. Find out the name of your state chairperson from your state art education association or the Council for Art Education, Inc. (CFAE), P.O. Box 479, Hanson, MA 02341 or [phone] or [e-mail]. Tie in with the state program, which sometimes includes a theme, state capitol exhibit, and promotional tools such as buttons, posters, and bumper stickers. Enthusiasm is contagious. Try to get as many people as you can in various positions and different backgrounds to work with you, or join in the state program, if one is already organized. To avoid confusion and duplication, each person should have a specific job, such as:

* Getting a proclamation for your governor, legislators, mayors, and local officials.

* Arranging for exhibit locations, talks, forums, and discussions.

* Collecting quotes in support of art and art education from leading citizens and from young students on what art means to them.

* Arranging for newspaper, radio, and television features, interviews, fillers, and other coverage. * Helping submit a state observance report to CFAE for state recognition.

Each March, the YAM observance spotlights art and art education through governors' and mayors' proclamations, state and local exhibits, and other creative venues, such as symphony programs, billboards, restaurant placemats, utilities' customer flyers, and supermarket bags. CFAE encourages and assists state YAM chairpersons in their efforts to stimulate and coordinate state and local activities. CFAE recognizes outstanding achievement at the state level by conferring awards on state chairpersons.

Thanks to generous contributions from donors, CFAE will raise awareness through national YAM observances, including the display of the YAM Flags at the 2004 Congressional Arts Caucus Reception, the 18th Annual National YAM Flag Event, and distribution of YAM information, and display of the YAM state flags at several national conferences. These activities show federal and state legislators, education officials, businesses, community leaders, teachers, and parents the importance of keeping visual art education funded and in the schools. In addition, contributions may be made separately to the 2004 "Sponsor a Flag Designer" Fund to send student flag designers from all over the U.S. to the Washington, DC Flag Event and the 2004 Congressional Arts Caucus Reception to receive recognition for their unique, artistic YAM flags. Help us have the "Visual Arts Shine in Front of Congress," by sponsoring a Flag Designer. Your help makes a difference. For more information on making a donation or participating in a state observance, visit www.acminet.org/youth_art_month.htm.