Doesn’t it just break your heart every time you hear about another art program being killed at another school? And it’s usually before a sports program—particularly football—is cut, of course. Excuses abound about how sports are great for students—and they can be—but all in all, we all know that it comes down to money and what brings volunteers, donors, and publicity, doesn’t it?

Art, however, is often sold short for its benefits. Art is usually used in therapy programs across the nation for people recovering from addition, violence, or any other form of pain. It’s a creative outlet that lets students express themselves rather than being violent with one another. It also provides an enhanced self-concept, builds creativity and critical thinking skills, and is an enjoyable, safe activity. Many art clubs also take pride in keeping their school looking beautiful by enhancing it with murals, mosaics, and other projects as well.

This Youth Art Month, you can keep the spirit of art alive in every youth by making sure that art stays alive in your local school. If you know that it’s being cut, organize a campaign to keep it in school. One of the best ways to do this—aside from rallying people for your cause and obtaining thousands of petition signatures, both of which you should definitely do—is to host a fundraiser for the art program.

If you can raise money to support art, you’re more likely to get the program retained. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t have to do this (remember the bumper sticker, “It will be a great day when schools have the funding they need and the air force will have to hold a bake sale to buy a new bomber”?), but sometimes it’s the only way to really speak—with your wallet, or that of several sponsors.

A great way to raise money for the cause is—what else?—an art show. Hosting a show with the students’ exhibits up for sale—plus a small attendance fee—can help raise some much-needed funds. You could also offer a raffle and door prizes, as well as a small concession stand with items for sale. Of course, have a prominent donation spot present for people who simply wish to give some money. You could also have area merchants give money and in return, the art students could provide them with some free flyer designs—or perhaps you could arrange a free ad in the student newspaper.

Have you held a fundraiser for an art program at your school? Have you ever saved a program that was about to get cut? How did you go about it?