COMMEMORATING MARCH AS YOUTH ART MONTH IN KANSAS

COMMEMORATING MARCH AS YOUTH ART MONTH IN KANSAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E179] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMEMORATING MARCH AS YOUTH ART MONTH IN KANSAS ______ HON. SHARICE DAVIDS of kansas in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate March as Youth Art Month in Kansas. Youth Art Month exists to honor our student artists and recognize the value of art education, especially for our children. In 1961, the Art & Creative Materials Institute created Children's Art Month as an event to emphasize the value of 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. Youth Art Month is now celebrated across the Nation with art contests, exhibits, and special activities. Annually in Kansas, every art teacher in the state is eligible to submit one student's artwork from their school to be showcased in the Kansas Youth Art Month exhibit at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library. Nationwide, a student from each state designs a Youth Art Month flag to represent their state at the National Art Education Association's Convention. This year's celebration to recognize these artists is set for March 28, 2026. This annual celebration is full of fun art activities, art exhibits, and certificates and prizes. Youth Art Month exists to increase community understanding, interest, and participation in art and art education. Year round, Kansas art teachers strive to expand art programs in schools and provide opportunities for more students to explore their artistic creativity. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to these educators, and to the Kansas Art Education Association for organizing Kansas' Youth Art Month so that we can formally celebrate these educators and their students. ____________________