GROWING YAMS in NEW JERSEY

In the state of New Jersey we celebrate YAM from Cape May to High Point in the month of March. In fact, there are so many celebrations they spill over into February and April. Why not celebrate our students’ art in more than one month? 

We begin our preparation for YAM in December with a poster contest. This year’s theme was Celebrate Art. There were over 500 entries and from them we select a design for a flag, a button, an invitation to a high school YAM state reception, an invitation to a middle/elementary YAM state reception, and a billboard design. One of those winners is randomly chosen to receive an all expense paid trip to NY City for him/herself, one parent, and the teacher. This prize was generously supplied from Sargent Art!

     

Photos: Top Row (left to right): Billboard design, button design; Bottom row: YAM shirt design

Each of our 21 counties sponsors a YAM exhibit that showcases Art Educators of NJ member’s student work. Various celebrations and venues make NJ YAM amazing. County libraries, IKEA lobbies, the great train station on Ellis Island where immigrants took their first steps to freedom, are among some of the sites that house the work of New Jersey’s finest young artist. The art exhibits are enhanced by adding events such as student puppet performances and Mr. YAM (Potato) head making,

From each of these 21 counties, 6 pieces of work are selected to go on to a NJ State YAM show. This show was hung on March 13th at the NJ State House. The show remained there at the State House for one week. This provides an opportunity for all of New Jersey’s legislators to see the wonderful artwork created by NJ’s students. The week is culminated by two celebrations at the State House. 

Photo: YAM Show

On Friday the 20th of March, we invited all of the high school students and their teachers to a reception at noon. This year our guest speaker was Carol Sayer. Carol is an inspiring Philadelphia blind/deaf artist. Her story of a sighted artist faced with the future of no sight, and little hearing was captivating to the students. After the guest speaker each student artist and teacher are asked to come forward. The child is then recognized with the presentation of a certificate.
 
That evening we invite the Middle and Elementary level winners and their parents to a second reception.  The standing room only evening event is a buzz with proud parents and grandparents. County group pictures are taken and certificates handed out.

Carrie Davey, our YAM chair, works hard to make this event special. She solicits YAM support from every possible source. This year she collected over  $1600. That money goes to the students. Each artist receives a t-shirt with a logo that says NJ Youth Month Artist. They also receive a goodie bag filled with donations from some of our favorite vendors.

Photo: Carrie Davey (left) and Linda Devlin (right)

The enthusiasm for art is alive during MARCH in NEW JERSEY! How do you celebrate YAM in your state?