Get Ready for March YAM Kickoff Week!

Youth Art Month is officially just a couple of days away!  

Here's some great ideas for you to use.

1
Make prints of student artwork, frame and present to local officials.  Walmart or Walgreens make cost efficient 5x7's or 8x10's.  Use this as a photo op for YAM during the first week in March.
2
Ask your BOE for an endorsement of Youth Art Month.
3
School-wide mural project with a theme of Collaboration/Unity.  Everyone creates a panel to add.  Or use the Post-it Challenge.  Plan colors of Post-it Notes to spell out school mascot or school's initials.
4
Hold a 10x10 (or 12x12) art challenge for students and staff using any media.  Install in school foyer.
5
In cold climates, have a YAM Snow Sculpture Challenge!  Bundle up and brave the cold to create a temporary sculptural piece.  Compete in teams or classes.  In warmer climates, go outside and create Andy Goldsworthy temporary installations. Photograph and enlarge to display indoors.

And don't forget...

6
Make Art Monday - every Monday in March - share what you are doing in your classroom/school/community for the visual arts.  Use the hashtag #MakeArtMonday and share on Facebook, at the YAM NYS page (or, if you're in another state, that state's YAM page), or on Twitter!

Art Advocacy Mid-Winter Break Ideas!

Is this a vacation week for you?  Rest and recharge, as Youth Art Month is less than two weeks away.  If you cannot get away for a vacation, plan how you can use some of these virtual art trips, for your students to experience artwork from both around the world, and close to home. 
1
Visit an online museum or build your own collection of artworks.  (Art Institute of Chicago has a build-your-own collection feature.)
2
Arrange an Artist in Residence Program during March, by inviting in local community artists to demonstrate and/or talk to students.  Are there local museums nearby?  Set up a visit, and if area artists have work present, try to arrange it so that they can be present to discuss their work with your students. 

How about another Art Advocacy 'Fab Five'?

YES!  Here's another set of five great ideas for you, and a bonus, too!

1
Plan a statewide postcard exchange with another school, or create artist trading cards to swap.  Consider too... a postcard campaign to state legislators about the value of art education, and combine that with a lesson on the First Amendment!
2
Have students design placemats and table tents that can be used by local restaurants.  Challenge older students in Graphic Design classes to choose an area establishment in need of a 'makeover' and design a new logo/menu/etc.  Invite the owners and any contacts you have in advertising, to choose the strongest design and discuss importance of branding to create market awareness. 
3
Start to hang student work of the week in the principal's office/main office area of your building, and in the administrative offices (superintendent, etc).  Add in the NEW Visual Art Standards, your Essential Question and student reflection, for a reminder of the importance of the art program to the school curriculum that cannot be ignored. 
4
Planning a YAM show?  Select an 'honorary  chairperson' from local, well-known artists or 'local celebrities' who support the arts.  Give them an honorary certificate and invite them to your show opening. 
5
Be sure your Media Advisories are out this week for any show in March, and that info is up on you school website, and community calendars at your local TV and radio stations.

BONUS IDEA!
Approach local doctor's offices and medical facilities to hang student artwork in waiting rooms and public areas.  Many are more than happy to give you space, and welcome student work as a point of conversation for staff and patients!

Art Advocacy Fab Five for February 4-8!

Long winter days need some special events built in to move them along.  These ideas lend themselves perfectly to classroom curriculum, build the concept of teamwork and planning, and can become great advocacy PR pieces for the local newspaper.  The old saying "You have to be a hero in your community first" is so true in art advocacy!

1
Valentine's Day excitement have you feeling blue rather than red?  Create a school-wide UNITY event based on the work of Jim Dine and his Hearts series in multiple media for K-5. Tie right in with PE, as may schools celebrate Heart Month with different event challenges.  Dovetail with classroom teachers talking about the need for good nutrition and organize a healthy snack day for all.  Need ideas? Check out Pinterest under Jim Dine (click here) to find some exciting lessons. Here are direct links to a couple of heart project ideas at There's a Dragon in my Art Room: click here and here.

 2 
Hungry for more?  Older students (grades 6-12) can do the Empty Bowls project and join forces with community food banks in raising money.  Tie in a nutrition study with Family and Consumer Science classes and have local grocery stores donate dried soup ingredients to package up in Ziploc Bags to be auctioned off with bowls (if you cannot do the actual meal event).  To find more info, click here.
3
Partner with neighboring school district and set up a traveling art show - 5 to 6 pieces that move from school to school.  Great way to collaborate for the arts, and showcase not only your own students, but also those in your area.
4
Using the food theme, combined with a study of Andy Warhol, do a community service canned soup food drive.  Use Warhol's Soup Can series and the theme "You CAN make a difference", plus a sculptural installation of the donations (in a safe area, of course), plus recognition for those who contribute, and help stock up the local food pantry at a time of the year when things may be scarce.  Involve your Art Club, Honor Society, Student Council, or K-Kids (Kiwanis organization for younger students).
5
Budget time, for many, is getting close.  Schedule a time slot at the next Board of Education meeting and share with them the interdisciplinary value of art, and how you are preparing students with valuable 21st century skills.  Bring students along with examples of their work, and invite all of your parents who supported the program!