The Essex County YAM festivities were once again held at the Essex County Hall of Records in Newark, NJ. Joseph DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive, once again helped sponsor the event and support the arts in Essex County. It was a wonderful exhibit that was well attended by students, their families, their art teachers and superviors...even assemblywomen!
The families walked around and viewed the artwork that was located in the welcoming room of the Hall of Records. At noon, an awards presentation began with the many very important speakers. Each school was recognized and official photos were taken by the Essex County Press Office.
A special thanks to Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the following supporters for making this YAM Exhibit wonderful:
Chief of Staff Philip B. Alagia, Deputy Chief of Staff and NJ State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, Deputy Chief of Staff William D. Payne, Constituent Services Director Joyce L. Goldman, Scheduler Ana Santos, County Administrator Joyce Wilson Harley, Esq., Assistant County Administrator Sheila Y. Oliver, Essex County Sheriff & Coordinator of Emergency Management Armando B. Fontoura, Senator Nia H. Gill, Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, and Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver.
On April 1, 2009, students, teachers and administrators packed the Sussex County Courthouse complex to view beautiful artwork created by Sussex County's talented artists. Drawings, paintings and collages transformed the interior of the public gallery into one filled with color and design. 
There was standing room only as the public enjoyed refreshments and viewed over 170 pieces of artwork. Many thanks to all of Sussex County's hardworking art teachers who make this all possible and to State Assemblywoman Alison Litell McHose for attending the festivities.
Student artists and parents wondered around looking at their artwork and were able to take advantage of four other galleries filled with art work by David Ahlsted, and an exhibit titled National Association of Women Artists: Celebrating 120 Years.
The Atlantic and Cape May Counties' YAM has their own gallery and art work literally goes from floor to ceiling and back again. This show was interesting because there was a sound presence of art work created by high school students. Nice to see!
Linda Devlin, AENJ President, stated "I believe this is the last YAM show that I know of. I really have enjoyed my YAM journey across the state of NJ. Next year I promise to try and get to more exhibits. I am impressed by the great work done by our students and the amazing job of the YAM Chairs! Carrie I thank you on behalf of AENJ for the wonderful leadership you provided for these chairs. Your dedication to Advocacy is astounding."
Once the show opened, the musicians filed in and the wonderful string ensemble with oboe began, compliments of the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission! Beautiful sounds emerged throughout the first floor of food, drinks and art work as parents and children from the different communities began to arrive. Signing the guest book created a backup at the entrance, so many began to slide past the signers to get a seat at the concert! As families drifted past and started toward the lower level, the crowds began to thin until you went downstairs and everyone was admiring the art work! Food went fast, and the two parking lots were jammed with cars parked 100 yards away to the end of the driveway!
It was a wonderful community opportunity!
Congratulations to Monmouth County for an amazing evening with the arts!!!!
The Passaic County YAM was held at the Lewis Bay Library in Hawthorne, NJ. The event was a huge success!
Kathy Benevento was once again our Passaic County YAM Chair along with Karen Stasik Sudol. The mayor of Hawthorne stopped by the YAM festivities along with the Hawthorne Police Chief. Everyone was excited to see these two VIPs at the event.
As students walked in, they were asked to sign in. Many of them took their time writing as if they were creating a piece of art with their signature. The students and their families then enjoyed the artwork and the yummy refreshments.
