The arts give voice to expression. No matter the age, people can express themselves through various mediums of art. It’s important for students to participate and engage in art education – to be seen, heard, and understood through art that capture their passions, journeys, challenges, and individual backgrounds.
Schools, districts, community art organizations, and larger communities observe March as Arts Education Month in California and/or Youth Art Month. This is a time to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to support school art programs. Art benefits children in multiple ways, such as promoting creativity, engaging all the senses, building motor skills, readying children for writing (scribbling is a precursor to writing), developing problem-soling abilities, and understanding themselves and the world around them.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is committed to supporting and encouraging students to explore the arts, whether that’s through music, dance, painting, sculpture, and other mediums. Having access to high-quality arts education that is culturally relevant and inclusive in all forms as part of a comprehensive education sparks curiosity, imagination, creativity, and joy.
As an advocate and supporter of art education, my office is proud to provide opportunities for students to showcase their artwork while adding more color to the SCCOE campuses through the annual Young Artist Showcase. This year’s showcase theme, “Hope In A New Era,” encourages youth to reimagine a new era of creative freedom and expression.
Winners of the 2023 Young artist Showcase will have their artwork accepted into the permanent exhibit of student art within SCCOE campuses and will be recognized at the virtual Young Artist Showcase Celebration on Tuesday, May 9. Art submissions will be accepted from youth residing in Santa Clara County until Monday, April 3. For more information about eligibility and submission guidelines, please visit https://www.sccoe.org/arts/yas/Pages/2023.aspx
This month, and every day after, take time to create art, see art, and talk about the importance of art for children.