The exhibit room was quickly crowded on the afternoon of March 4 as the celebration of Youth 
Art Month began for talented students and their teachers from across the district. An exhibition of work from kindergarten through 12th-grade students drew featured artists, family and friends to a reception held at the Douglas County School System Central Office. A variety of student works, including self-portraits in various media, pottery, mixed-media sculptures, acrylic on canvas and more, were submitted, selected, and compiled to make up the show.
The reception coordinator, DCSS Visual Arts Specialist Tammy Morris, welcomed guests to the festivities set in a colorful environment filled with inspiration and creativity. Students were encouraged to create on-the-spot as tables were covered with mural-size sheets of paper and buckets of markers and crayons. Morris also provided her trademark homemade cookies decorated with icing in a signature artistic style.
Morris says, “It's so important to recognize and celebrate the talent of students and the dedication of art teachers. These teachers play such a crucial role in nurturing creativity, developing skills, building confidence, fostering a love for learning, and promoting cultural understanding. Art education provides an outlet for self-expression and innovation, and cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Seeing their work appreciated can significantly boost students' self-esteem. Engaging in creative activities can make learning fun and meaningful while exposing students to diverse perspectives and traditions.”
Morris credits school district leadership with ongoing support of visual arts education.
“The Douglas County School System deserves sincere thanks,” she said. “Their commitment to
fostering artistic growth in our students is evident in the resources and opportunities provided, allowing young artists to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and build confidence. This dedication to the arts enriches our community and empowers students to express themselves in meaningful ways.”
The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) created Children’s Art Month in 1961 as an event to emphasize the value to children from participating in visual art education.
In 1969 the celebration expanded to include secondary school students, and the Children’s Art Month event officially became known as Youth Art Month.
In 1984, ACMI created the non-profit organization The Council for Art Education (CFAE) to advocate for visual art education. CFAE coordinates the Youth Art Month program at the national level.
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