Senate Adopts Robbins' Youth Art Month Resolution

Annual observance emphasizes value of art education

Photos

The Pennsylvania State Senate today (March 10) adopted Senate Resolution 235, a resolution sponsored by Senator Bob Robbins recognizing March 2008 as Youth Art Month in Pennsylvania.

"I am honored to introduce this Resolution because I have seen first hand that art education and appreciation provides important tools and skills that enable young people to lead fuller, more meaningful lives," Senator Robbins said. "Art education develops self-esteem and self expression, as well as an appreciation for the work of others. The truth is art education helps young people expand their horizons and develops critical thinking skills that are important as children continue their education and when they enter the working world."

Earlier in the day, Senator Robbins was a main speaker during a ceremony in the Capitol East Wing Rotunda organized by Avalyn Shank, an art teacher at Wilmington Area Middle School, to honor the winners of a statewide student project to design a Youth Art Month flag. This year's theme is "Pennsylvania Arts are the Legend on the Roadmap to our Creative Vision."

Three local students -- Brooklyn Walsh from Slippery Rock Area Elementary School, Megan Sweyer from Wilmington Area Middle School and Briana Yoursh from New Castle Junior/Senior High School – were among the young people honored at the event.

Youth Art Month was created in 1961 by the Council for Art Education, Inc as a national advocacy program. It is observed each March as a way to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322