YAM Flag & Graphic Design
Deadline:
December 13
The Youth Art Month (YAM) Flag contest is both a state and national contest while the graphic contest is a statewide contest. At the state level, an overall winner is chosen from grades k-12 for the flag and the graphic contest. Their artwork is made into a flag or posters to represent Ohio. The YAM flag goes onto be displayed at the National art Education conference. The graphic design is used to promote and celebrate Youth Art Month in Ohio.
The winning students are honored in Columbus on a special day in March at a wonderful ceremony, that also includes the Youth Art Month Art Exhibition (YAM) and Young Peoples’ Art Exhibition (YPAE) on the same day.
The students can also win at their grade level group. The groups are grades k-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. There is a 1st, 2nd, and third place winner in each group and two honorable mentions awarded. See contest rules on form. These students are also honored on that special day in March. It’s a great time to celebrate your student’s accomplishments.
Becky Dunn & Amy Cholkas
YAM Flag Co-Chairs
Questions? Contact yamflag@ohioarted.com
Thank you to the many OAEA teachers and their students who participated in the 2025 Youth Art Month Flag and Graphic Design Competition. This year’s national theme was “Healing Through Color”.
The overall winner for Ohio’s 2025 YAM Flag Design is Mary Smith, Grade 6. Her teacher is Kate Brookshire from Morton Middle School, West Region. Mary’s design represented Ohio in the flag exhibit at the National Art Education Association’s Conference in Louisville, KY. Mary was presented with a 3' X 5’ flag of her design at the Youth Art Month Awards Ceremony on March 1st in Columbus.
The overall winner for Ohio’s 2025 YAM Graphic Design is Gabi McCauley, Grade 11. Her art teacher is Carrie Barnett from Summit Country Day School, Southwest Region. Gabi’s design was made into a postcard which will be used to promote art education throughout Ohio.
All Ohio YAM Flag and Graphic design winners received a certificate from the Ohio Art Education Association and a grade level ribbon of 1st, 2nd, 3rd place or honorable mention. Congratulations to these creative, young designers.
