On Tuesday, Mayor Haslam presented a proclamation to Amy Broady and Jackie Spaulding-Wright declaring Youth Art Month in Knoxville.

Youth Art Month (YAM) is an annual observance to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Youth Art Month provides a forum for acknowledging skills that are fostered through experience in the visual arts that are not possible in other subjects offered in the curriculum.
 
Youth Art Month's Purposes Are:

1. To direct attention to the value of art education which develops divergent and critical thinking; multicultural awareness; and technical, communication, and expressive skills.

2. To increase community, business and governmental support for art education.

3. To recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality life for all people.

4. To expand art programs in schools and stimulate new ones.

5. To increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative venues.

6. To provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.

7. To encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere.

8. To recognize art education as a viable component in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society.

9. To reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.