YAM is on our doorsteps!!!

Here's an armload of terrific ideas for you, as we head toward the beginning of Youth Art Month in just a few days!!  I apologize for being a few days late getting this posted for you, but hopefully the ideas are worth waiting for!

1
How about a BLACK LIGHT art show?  Use fluorescent paint to really light up the end of the month of February.  Need details?   Check with Jennifer Impey at Edwards-Knox Central School, who has held several successful shows!  You can find plenty of ideas at her blog Art Room 104.

2
Check out, too, Art Spirit Week ideas for YAM, with a color or theme each day of the week.  It is great at the elementary level, but there's no reason MS/HS kids cannot get involved too!

 

3
Don't forget #Make Art Monday ideas, too!  Use blank templates and have students work on-the-spot to share on social media.  Good, fast lesson, that even the staff can participate in as well!

4
Suffern High School (in NY state) - art teacher Tracy Berges has an amazing number of YAM events happening with her students and the National Art Honor Society members!   

Follow her on Twitter at bergesSHart for inspiring event ideas!

5
Make prints of student artwork, frame, and present to local officials.  Walmart or Walgreens make cost-efficient 5x7's or 8 x 10's.  Use these for photo ops for YAM during our first week in March.

BONUS FIVE!  I missed posting these terrific ideas last week (and anyhow, you were probably on vacation), so here's a bonus 'Fab Five' for you!

1
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!
2
Be sure your Media Advisories are out this week for any show in March, and make sure that info is also up on your school website and community calendars at your local TV and radio stations.
3
 Check in with local dignitaries that you requested Proclamations from, to be sure they will be ready for you to use!
4
Every small town has a local diner or coffee shop.  Design some YAM placemats or do a series of coffee cup themed works of art to hang up.  Better yet, create some ceramic mugs to auction or raffle off!  Teaching a Computer Graphics or Advertising Design class? Offer to create a new business logo and related items for the place.  Coordinate with the owner and perhaps have customers vote on new design.  A perfect way to integrate business opportunities in real life settings for you students.
5
Any local manufacturing companies?  Have students do illustrations of products made, and teaming with the company.  Have them matted and hung in office or reception areas!  (This project was done with the Union, Fork & Hoe Company, who make shovels, hoes, and rakes in Frankfort, NY).  Interested in details?  Contact Donnalyn Shuster, spring78dl@gmail.com.  

That's it for today!  Have a wonderful kickoff to  

YOUTH ART MONTH!!!!!!