This petition is directed to the elected officials of the Commonwealth of Virginia as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to endorse March 2009 as Youth Art Month in Virginia. By signing this petition your name will be included in Virginia's Youth Art Month Scrapbook which is judged at the national level and seen by art educators throughout the state. Commonwealth of Virginia's Youth Art Month Proclamation WHEREAS, art education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary, middle and secondary students including the following; -art education develops students’ creative problem- solving and critical thinking abilities; -art education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities; -art education gives students a deeper understanding of multi-cultural values and beliefs; -art education reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects; and -art education interrelates student learning in art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics, and WHEREAS our national leaders have acknowledged the necessity of including art experiences in all students’ education, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that support should be given to art teachers as they attempt to strengthen art education in their schools and communities. NOW, THEREFORE, it is proclaimed that March be observed as YOUTH ART MONTH. All citizens are urged to take interest in and give full support to quality school art programs for children and youth. NOW, THEREFORE, it is proclaimed that March be observed as YOUTH ART MONTH. All citizens are urged to take interest in and give full support to quality school art programs for children and youth. NOW, THEREFORE, by signing this online petition, I do hereby proclaim March 2009 as Youth Art Month.