ADVOCACY
TAEA Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest
The TAEA YAM Flag Design Contest invites Tennessee student artists to create an original 3’ x 5’ flag celebrating this year’s Youth Art Month theme: “The World Needs Art.” Entries must include “Tennessee” and, when possible, the words “Youth Art Month.” Students may design in vertical or horizontal format, using their creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic vision to show how art makes a difference in our world and reflects pride in our state’s artistic community. Winning designs will represent Tennessee at the national Youth Art Month celebration hosted by the Council for Art Education.
All entries should be submitted to: taea.yam@tnarteducation.org
DEADLINE: January 16th, 2026
More about Youth Art Month below.
questions? Email: taea.yam@tnarteducation.org
2024 Winners
Tennessee Celebrates Youth Art Month!
The Tennessee Art Education Association invites all art educators to join the 2026 Youth Art Month celebration. Participate by doing one purposeful arts advocacy activity—anything from a class project to a schoolwide exhibit—and share how the arts make a difference for your students.
Youth Art Month is celebrated each March. Highlight your students’ successes by sending photos, descriptions (media, size, title, student name, school, city, district), or brief articles about events or advocacy efforts to TAEA’s social media pages. These submissions will also be included in the national YAM report.
Please label all emails “YAM Event 2025/2026.”
What is YAM?
Youth Art Month (YAM) is a national celebration every March that promotes the importance of art and art education in schools. Founded in 1961, YAM highlights how creative participation benefits all students.
A key national event is School Flags Across America, where students design flags based on their state’s theme. Each state’s winning design becomes an actual flag displayed in Washington, D.C. during March, with winning students invited to attend the opening ceremony.
Be an Advocate
Youth Art Month is carried out entirely by volunteers. TAEA is proud to be a part of the call to advocate for the Arts in TN. Our Youth Art Month Chair, Shatara Ferguson Brooks, organizes and leads our state's efforts to recognize the importance of the Arts in our schools.
We know that every day, as art educators, you advocate for the Arts in your schools. Youth Art Month may only be in March, but the need for the Arts is year-round.
Contact your local officials to let them know the importance of Art in our schools and in our students' lives.
https://www.tn.gov/main/section/elected-officials
Why YAM matters…
● Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curriculum that develops citizens of a global society.
● Recognize that art is a necessity for the full development of a better quality of life for all.
● Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking.
● Expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs.
● Encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere.
● Provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.
● Increase community, business, and governmental support for art education.
● Increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures.
● Reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.
