Many GFWC Alabama Women’s Clubs are advocates for promoting the arts through the GFWC partnership affiliates. The local Book Lovers Study Club donates art supplies for schools and libraries; attends community and school art displays; helps co-sponsor school art exhibits; and recognizes state and national arts and culture events.

The Art & Creative Materials Institute created Children’s Art Month in 1961 to emphasize the value of participating in visual art education. In 1969 the celebration expanded to include secondary school students, and Children’s Art Month officially became known as Youth Art Month.

In 1984 ACMI created the non-profit organization The Council for Art Education to coordinate Youth Arts Month at the national level.

Promoting the arts is a year round project, but March is officially recognized as Youth Art Month.   

Youth Art Month focuses on local and state events celebrating visual art education through events and fundraisers in schools, libraries, art centers, museums and even state capitol buildings.

Using art is a wonderful opportunity to let children’s talents flourish, help them express themselves and build talent, hobbies and character. Teaching children to express themselves using art in our communities is important.

The goals of Youth Art Month are:

• To recognize art education as a viable part of the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society.
• To recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all.
• To direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking.
• To expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs.
• To encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations and individuals everywhere.
• To provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.
• To increase community, business and governmental support for art education.
• To increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops and other creative ventures.
• To reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.