YOUTH ART MONTH 2026

Celebrate Youth Art Month 2026 — Inspire, Advocate, Create!

March is Youth Art Month (YAM) — a time to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and imagination of Oklahoma’s young artists! This year’s YAM theme, “The World Needs Art!,” reminds us how the arts build bridges across our schools and communities, inspiring collaboration, empathy, and pride in student expression.

There are so many ways to get involved and help promote the value of visual arts education across our state:

• Door Knockers Program – Share student artwork with local legislators to advocate for arts education and remind our leaders of art’s power to shape Oklahoma’s future.
• YAM Flag Design Contest – Encourage students to submit designs representing Oklahoma’s artistic spirit! The winning flag will represent our state at the National Art Education Association Conference.
• State Superintendent’s Art Show – Showcase outstanding student artwork at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and celebrate artistic achievement statewide.
• Young People’s Art Exhibition – Exhibit youth artwork in a professional setting that honors creativity, diversity, and artistic growth.

Whether you’re new to YAM or a long-time advocate, every teacher can make a difference! Participate in one or all of these exciting opportunities to highlight your students’ voices and promote the importance of art education in every Oklahoma classroom.

Let’s make Youth Art Month 2026 a vibrant celebration of imagination and advocacy!
➡️ Visit OAEA.org/YAM for participation details, deadlines, and downloadable resources.