•Previous+YAM+Campaigns

=**Tennessee's Youth Art Theme for 2009 was " ART IGNITES... "**=

**Why associate art with fire?**
We're glad you asked! > Where would we be without fire? > Where would we be without art?
 * Fire warms. Fire illuminates. Thus, fire prov ides needed comfort and clarity. Art does, too--it can provide comfort and clarity for those who make it, as well as those who view or experience it.
 * Fire is associated with celebrations: a lighted candle, a sizzling sparker, a shower of twinkling fireworks all signify something special, something extraordinary, something that brings us joy and is worth our attention and reverence. The art produced by Tennessee's young artists can be described in the same way: special extraodinary, bringing joy, and worthy of our attention and reverence...something to celebrate, not just during Youth Art Month, but all year long.
 * Fire transforms. It leaves a mark; in some cases it tempers and makes things stronger. It can meld matter, uniting that which was once separate into a single entity. Or, it can break down matter, rendering it into separate but equal particles. Art can do all these things as well.
 * On the other hand, fire can also be a source of discomfort. Yes, art can make us uncomfortable sometimes, too.
 * Fire can be a cause of destruction, yet in its destructive role, fire creates a clearing for new growth. Art can play a role in destructing ignorance. Art can shed light on false peerceptions. Certainly Tennessee's art programs also provide paths for new growth.
 * Just as fire is vital to our physical world, art is vital to our culture.
 * Like a fire, creativity must be tended in order to harness its potential. As art educators, we accept responsibility for fueling the fire, fanning the flames, and passing the torch.

And thus, our 2009 Youth Art Month theme:
 * ART IGNITES...**

//What sort of creative spark will you witness and nurture today?//

Tennessee's YAM campaign theme for 2008 was
"Art Grows in Tennessee"

Tennessee's YAM campaign theme for 2007 was
"Art is Key in Tennessee"

We'd like to list previous themes...if anyone can help us out, please contact us at YAMinTN@gmail.com.