Monmouth County YAM Exhibit

Once again there was a huge turnout at the Monmouth County YAM Exhibit!

On March 23rd, around 6:00 pm, students, their families, and friends, along with their teachers and some principals, started arriving at the Middletown Arts Center to attend the 2010 Monmouth County Youth Art Month Exhibit and Reception. The reception was the culmination of a two and a half week long exhibit that showcased the diverse talent of students, ranging from kindergarten through high school, from across Monmouth County. There was beautiful artwork to view and light refreshments along with the handing out of certificates and citations to the students. Each student was given certificates from the Art Educators of New Jersey, a place to exhibit their work on Artsonia (the largest International online gallery), and a citation from the New Jersey Legislature signed by Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, Assemblyman Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr., and Senator Jennifer Beck. These Legislators also presented each teacher with a citation for their “dedicated efforts in promoting and achieving artistic excellence among their students.” In addition, the Monmouth County Chairs were also presented with an official proclamation endorsing the arts as being an integral part of education in the state of New Jersey.

The show was a multimedia display consisting of more than 125 pieces in a variety of artistic mediums from watercolors, tempera, acrylics, pastels, collage, pen and ink, and photographs, to clay, metal, fabric, packing tape, and wood constructions. The students were thrilled to see their work on display and were delighted to receive the official citation from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly. Congratulations to all our talented students in Monmouth County and their dedicated art teachers.

Middlesex County YAM Exhibit

During one of the worst storms we’ve had this year, water weary art enthusiasts continued to file into Middlesex County College’s Art Gallery for the annual YAM Exhibit. Seventeen schools and over 50 student artists participated this year. With over 175 guests in attendance the conversations were all about the art. It was as though no one cared about the weather.

Dr.Patrick Piegari, Middlesex County Superintendent of Schools, returned this year to read the proclamation. It was an honor to have him in attendance showing his support for the arts.

Our very own Senator Joe Vitale also addressed the students with inspiring words and was in awe of the talented students represented this year. We were very thankful to have him as our speaker for the event. Having dignitaries of this magnitude sends an important message to educators and students alike that what they’re doing is important.

We were fortunate, considering the economy to receive donations both monetary and in kind which allowed us to reward students with materials so they can continue to create art. A special thank you to General Pencil Company, Staples, and the PTA from South River.

After the last guest exited the building and the room became strangely quiet we had time to reflect back on the day’s events. We had in fact hosted a successful show and we are hoping to continue growing next year.

Mercer County YAM Exhibit

Hunterdon YAM Exhibit

Student artwork from various schools in Hunterdon County, gradesK-12, was on exhibit in the lobby of the Hunterdon Medical Center. A closing reception was held on Saturday, March 27th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00pm, for all participating artists, their family, friends, and their art teachers. Hands-on art activities and refreshments (donated by the Shop-Rite of Clinton, NJ ) were provided. Students who had artwork displayed in the show were also recognized at a 3:30 awards ceremony.

"Nothing encourages children more than a wonderful Visual Arts school program which provides our students with the opportunity to express themselves and let their imaginations soar and creativity flow,"says veteran Clinton Township Art Teacher, Debbie Paragone.

Hudson County YAM Exhibit

We are growing and growing here in Hudson County and it was a very successful Youth Art Month this year for Hudson YAM. We had a total of 161 student artworks this year exhibited at the Central Rail Road Terminal in Liberty State Park. Schools from Jersey City, Hoboken, West New York, and Kearny participated in this year’s show. We had a very generous donation from General Pencil Company’s CEO Jim Weisserborn, whose company is based in Jersey City. Each participating student artist received a pencil pack from the company. Students created Youth Art Month pipe cleaner people as an activity at the closing reception.

Essex County YAM

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. welcomed 100 students from throughout Essex County to the Essex County Hall of Records for the Art Educators of New Jersey student art exhibit on Monday, March 22nd. This is the sixth consecutive year DiVincenzo has partnered with the Art Educators of New Jersey to present the student artists exhibit.

During the months of February and March, the first floor lobby of the Hall of Records was transformed into a student art gallery. Employees and visitors to the County building were treated to the colorful and lifelike paintings and drawings.

"Essex County has some very creative and talented student artists at all age levels from elementary to high school. The original artwork that is included in our exhibit is truly inspiring," DiVincenzo said. "I am proud to partner with the Art Educators of New Jersey for the sixth consecutive year to present this beautiful exhibit. This is an opportunity to promote our students' positive achievements and enables the general public to see the talent in our schools throughout the County," he added.

This year's show featured original works of art created by 100 students who range in age from elementary school to high school level. The students came from 34 different Essex County schools.

Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem YAM Exhibit

In March, I ventured off to the southern part of New Jersey. The CUMBERLAND, GLOUCESTER & SALEM COUNTY YAm show was an amazing event. YAM Chairs Sandra Koberlein and Kathy Gross put together a beautiful show. The facility was filled with art from floor to ceiling . What I found interesting was the wide array of art. In addition to the creative and beautiful hung work there was book art, junk art, group art, collective sculpture installments. Wow! It was all great!
Beyond the exhibit the YAM chairs had set up activities for creative expression. There were opportunities for kids to create paint draw or even participate in an empty bowls event. There were opportunities to make bowls, or glaze bowls. The bowls will be fired and saved for an empty bowl soup day in the future.
This was a wonderful YAM show at a facility that I have never been to. Appel Farms Arts and Music Center in Elmer NJ is a rare gem for the state of New Jersey. I met Mr. Appel and was honored to take a tour of this facility. Through his love of the arts he has created this enclave for children and adults. This facility is beautiful! There are art studios and galleries, kilns, performing arts theaters and so much more. Check out their web site! http://www.appelfarm.org//