Bill Text: NJ AJR159 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates first full week of June of each year as "Children's Art Week."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2019-05-24 - Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [AJR159 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-AJR159-Introduced.html
No. 159
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
218th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman ANTHONY S. VERRELLI
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
SYNOPSIS
Designates first full week of June of each year as "Children's Art Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution permanently designating first full week of June as "Children's Art Week" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Art education is an integral factor in not only the mental, social, and emotional development of a child, but also in the educational curriculum necessary to develop future leaders of a global society; and
Whereas, Art is way for a child to communicate ideas, feelings, and solutions in a way other than verbally or in writing; and
Whereas, Exposure to art is important to child development and impacts other aspects of a child's learning in and out of school contexts; and
Whereas, Art provides opportunities for children to express themselves through visual storytelling, which spurs creativity and innovation; and
Whereas, A report from Americans for the Arts concluded that the skills learned in art education spill over into academic achievement; and
Whereas, Children participating in artistic exercises, such as painting, coloring, or drawing, strengthen their motor skills and develop the dexterity they will need for writing; and
Whereas, Art provides opportunities for children to learn words for colors and shapes, to understand concepts like size and counting, and to make comparisons and describe their artwork, thereby, improving their language and math development; and
Whereas, Creating art is an avenue for a child to strengthen their critical thinking and problem solving abilities because they actively make choices regarding their artistic expressions and creations; and
Whereas, The creative process of making art gives children a chance to step out of their comfort zone and build their self-confidence, which strengthens their ability to focus and persevere through any obstacles they may encounter; and
Whereas, Many of the arts, such as band, choir, and theater, require children to work together, developing teamwork skills that they will utilize for the rest of their lives; and
Whereas, The ability of the arts to help young people gain problem-solving and collaborative skills are instrumental in the healing process of children who have been in the juvenile justice system; and
Whereas, Art-focused models have been integrated within the juvenile justice system in other states to build community, foster healing, and reduce recidivism rates among incarcerated youth; and
Whereas, An evaluation by the YouthARTS project concluded that art programs for at-risk youth enhanced not only young peoples' self-esteem and attitudes about their futures, but also increased academic achievement and decreased delinquent behavior; and
Whereas, June is New Jersey Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism Month in the State, which makes it fitting that "Children's Art Week" be in June; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey can promote art education and its importance to child development, along with celebrating the joys of art and creativity among New Jersey's children, by designating the first full week of June as "Children's Art Week;" now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The first full week of June of each year is designated "Children's Art Week" in the State of New Jersey in order to celebrate the joys of art and children's creativity.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Children's Art Week" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the first full week of June as "Children's Art Week" in New Jersey to celebrate the joys of art and children's creativity.
Art education is an integral factor in the educational curriculum necessary to develop future leaders of a global society. Art is an avenue for children to communicate ideas, feelings, and solutions in a way other than verbally or in writing. Additionally, exposure to and engagement with the arts, provide opportunities for children to strengthen their language, math, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. By establishing a "Children's Art Week" in New Jersey, the State will recognize the importance of participation in the arts and will formally celebrate the joys of art and children's creativity.
The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the first full week in June of each year as "Children's Art Week."