BMAS Celebrates National Youth Art Month, March 6 – April 6, 2006

BMAS Celebrates National Youth Art Month, March 6 – April 6

Opening Reception March 16th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Youth Art Month is a nationwide observance that highlights the importance and benefits of Art Education. Art education develops self-esteem, appreciation of the work of others, self-expression, cooperation with others, and critical thinking skills, skills vital to the success of our future leaders, our children.
The Opening Reception at the Bergen Museum is March 16th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Bergen Museum of Art and Science exhibit will continue from March 6 – April 6, 10 a.m –5 p.m. daily Closed Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.
The Chair of Bergen County Youth Art Month is Ms. Paige DeFelice an art teacher at West Brook Middle School, Paramus, NJ has coordinated and organized the month long program.

The Bergen Museum will exhibit the works of high school students from Paramus HS, Ridgefield Park HS, Westwood Jr/Sr HS, Bergen Co. Tech. HS (Paramus), Dwight Morrow HS (Englewood), Bergen County Academies (Hackensack) and Cresskill HS.

The Museum’s president, Peter Knipe, said “the Bergen Museum is very happy to be a part of this national month long event. Together with the efforts and dedication of Bergen County art teachers we show our students that art, creativity and expression is an important and valued part of their development as students and citizens. The support that the Museum receives from Corporate Sponsors such as Vornado Realty Trust and from individual contributors and members helps us to support these kinds of initiatives and events.”

Over 20 middle and elementary Bergen County schools will also be exhibiting student art work at 2 other locations: IKEA of Paramus and The Art Center of Northern New Jersey New Milford. Work will be on display throughout March.

Friends, families and teachers of the students, as well as other members of the community will be attending celebratory “Opening Receptions” that have been planned at each venue to honor the work of the students and educators. All are invited and welcome to visit.

Arts Education is one of the best ways to allow our children the opportunity for self-expression, to develop aesthetic awareness and technical skills, to learn about the world around them and reinforce their other areas of study including Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Learning about the Arts helps our kids increase their problem-solving skills, broaden their vocabulary and promote divergent thinking.

These are just a few of the reasons why we celebrate Youth Art Month; to highlight the importance of Arts Education in our schools, showcase the enthusiasm, creativity and talent of our students, and allow our communities the opportunity to witness the strength and benefits of our schools.