ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation invites all local and communitywide families to celebrate Youth Arts Month (YAM) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Chickasaw Nation Community Center, located at 700 N. Mississippi, Ada, Oklahoma.

The initiative encourages public support for quality art programs. Children will enjoy hands-on activities highlighting the importance of art through creative booths sponsored by local organizations and Chickasaw Nation programs and services. The event is open to the public at no charge.

“YAM is an annual, nationwide celebration emphasizing the value of visual arts and art education for all children,” Gwen Postoak, an arts instructor for the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Division, said. “This event is hosted to celebrate art and the important role it plays in the lives of young people.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Healing Through Color.”

The theme ties into chromotherapy, an art therapy form using color and light to promote relaxation and healing. Chromotherapy is based on the idea that different colors can affect human behavior.

The Chickasaw Nation provides many creative opportunities for children throughout the year, including the Chickasaw Arts Academy, After School Art Program and the Chickasaw Young Artist Studio. For more information about YAM or other Chickasaw Nation youth art initiatives, contact the Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Division at (580) 272-5520 or FineArts@Chickasaw.net.