​Youth Art Month
What is Youth Art Month?
Youth Art Month began in 1961 and is celebrated every March as a nationwide opportunity to recognize the importance of art and art education in the lives of young people. The month encourages communities, schools, and families to come together in support of strong, high-quality art programs that nurture creativity and self-expression in every child. 

At the national level, the Council for Art Education, leads this inspiring initiative. In Washington, the Washington Art Education Association proudly carries it forward, connecting local schools, educators, and community partners. Youth Art Month celebrates the many ways the visual arts help students grow—building creativity, problem-solving, observation, and communication skills that reach far beyond the classroom and into everyday life.

Youth Art Month 2026

2026 Overall Winner
The World Needs Art
Ryan Kim
Teacher, Sunyoung Kwon
Studio S Fine Arts
​Bellevue, WA
YAM Flag on Display in Chicago at the National Art Education Association Conference.

March 2026

To promote Youth Art Month, The Council for Art Education coordinates Youth Art Month activities at the national level. The primary event is the State Design Program. 

Click below to learn more from our YAM Coordinator about the 2026 Youth Art Month Design Contest with Info and Lesson Slides.
​Using the national theme, each state coordinates a design contest, with the winning design made into a flag for display in the Youth Art Month Museum at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) annual National Convention.
High School Winner
Jennifer Gil Zavaleta 
Teacher, Kim Lehrman 
​Chiawana High School
​Pasco, WA
Middle School Winner
​Jennifer Cherkashin
Teacher, Colleen MacIver
​Spokane, WA
Primary Winner
​Elizabeth Speirs
Teacher, Jessica Garrick
​University Child Development School, Seattle, WA

"The World Needs Art"

Student Design Contest

WAEA Members are eligible to have their students create designs and compete in the design contest. Students compete in three different levels:
​Primary, Middle, and High School.

Involve Your Community

Ask your local leaders - Principal, Superintendent, School Board, and/or Mayor - to declare March as Youth Art Month.

Enter by January 16th

Don't delay! Give students plenty of time to create and complete their designs.

Past WAEA YAM Winners

2025
2024
2023
PLAN YOUR OWN YOUTH ART MONTH EVENTS:
Collaborate with others in your Region or ESD. Organize an art event in March for your school, district or region. Share the local art events you are facilitating/participating in during March!
Share your event with other WAEA educators by writing an article for Splatter Magazine or posting it on our FaceBook.

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