YO U T H A R T M ON T H
WHAT IS YAM? “Children’s Art Month” was created in 1961 by the Crayon, Water Color & Craft Institute to “emphasize the value of participating in art for all children” to the larger community. It re-named itself “Youth Art Month” (YAM) in 1969 to include secondary students. In 1984, a national competition was adopted, “School Flags Across America . . . Flying High.” YAM chairpersons from each state selected a flag theme and students designed flags based on that theme. Today, the 50 winning designs from each state are made into physical flags, flown in the spring for special events in Washington D.C. and at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) convention. In Colorado, all flag design submissions are displayed at the CAEA Fall Conference and at the State Capitol Rotunda in the spring. This year’s theme is “Take a Journey Through Art.” This theme is expected, but not required.
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