Senate Resolution No. 1739

BY: Senator SERRANO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2026, as Youth Art Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that enhance the quality of life in the State of New
York and that reflect the importance of education, creativity, and civic
engagement among its citizens; and

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month is an annual observance held each March to
emphasize the value of visual art education for all children and to
encourage support for quality school art programs throughout the nation;
and

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month celebrates the visual arts through student
exhibitions, public artworks, art festivals, and school events which
raise awareness and demonstrate the importance of art education to local
and state education officials, business and community leaders, and state
and federal legislators; and

WHEREAS, This year's theme, "The World Needs Art," underscores the
vital role of artistic expression in fostering creativity, innovation,
cultural understanding, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, The origins of Youth Art Month date back to 1961, when the
Art & Creative Materials Institute created Children's Art Month to
emphasize the value to children of participating in visual art
education; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, the celebration expanded to include secondary
school students and officially became known as Youth Art Month, further
broadening its impact on young artists and educators across the nation;
and

WHEREAS, In 1984, the Art & Creative Materials Institute created the
nonprofit organization known as the Council for Art Education to
advocate for visual art education, and this organization continues to
coordinate the Youth Art Month program at the national level; and

WHEREAS, Although Youth Art Month is traditionally observed in
March, celebrations of visual art education occur nearly year-round in
communities across the nation, including events and fundraisers held in
schools, libraries, art centers, museums, and state capitol buildings;
and

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month highlights the essential role that art
education plays in developing divergent and critical thinking skills,
multicultural awareness, and the technical, communication, and
expressive abilities necessary for students to thrive in a global
society; and

WHEREAS, Art education contributes significantly to the full
development of young people by enriching their lives, fostering

imagination and innovation, and enhancing their ability to communicate
ideas and perspectives; and

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month encourages the expansion of art programs in
schools and stimulates the development of new opportunities for creative
learning among students of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Through art exhibits, workshops, and other creative
ventures, Youth Art Month strengthens community understanding of and
interest in art and art education while encouraging the commitment of
students, educators, community organizations, and individuals to the
arts; and

WHEREAS, Youth Art Month also promotes increased community,
business, and governmental support for art education and reflects the
goals of the National Art Education Association to improve art education
at all levels; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Youth Art Month provides an opportunity
to celebrate the artistic achievements of students throughout New York
State and to recognize the dedication of educators who inspire
creativity, innovation, and cultural appreciation in their classrooms;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026, as Youth Art
Month in the State of New York, in recognition of the importance of
visual art education and its vital role in the development of young
people and vibrant communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.