1. Young Audiences of Virginia, 420 North Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502 | www.yav.org
Jennifer Chapman
Scheduling Services Director
(757) 466-7555 ext. 304 | scheduling@yav.org
Lauren Jones
Public Relations Specialist
Ljone092@odu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2015
Young Audiences of Virginia celebrates
60 Years of Arts in Education
Inspiring and Engaging students In and Through the Arts
Norfolk, Va. – For the last 60 years, students across the state of Virginia have learned
reading, math, and other traditional academic lessons through arts performances and
workshop by the work of Young Audiences of Virginia (YAV). Today, YAV is the
leading provider of arts-in-education programming for the state, with all programs
grounded in the Virginia Standards of Learning core curriculum.
“My involvement with YAV began more than 30 years ago. I have seen firsthand the
impact of amazing YAV teaching artists, inspiring children through arts infused teaching
in school programs and residencies,” said Beth Hazelette, President of the YAV State
Board of Directors.
YAV will celebrate the 60th
anniversary with a variety of events throughout 2015 and
will kick off the yearlong celebration during National Young Audiences Week, March
15-21, 2015.
Performances and events will begin with the Celebration of the Arts on March 14, 2015,
in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Virginia and culminate with a birthday
celebration event in September. 60th
anniversary events are listed below.
For more information about getting involved in the celebration, contact Jennifer
Chapman at scheduling@yav.org.
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Young Audiences - Arts for Learning – Virginia is the leading provider of high quality
arts-in-education programming in Virginia. We offer an array of arts performances and
workshops grounded in Virginia’s core curriculum, residencies for children of all ages,
and professional development for teachers in arts-integration techniques that improve
students’ literacy skills, motivation to read, and ability to learn. PRA Group is the
signature sponsor of the 60th
Anniversary. Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc. is a
501(c)(3), not-for-profit.

2. Young Audiences of Virginia, 420 North Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502 | www.yav.org
60th
Anniversary Events:
Celebration of the Arts
Children’s Museum of Virginia
March 14, 2015, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Young Audiences of Virginia is partnered with the Children’s Museum to present
a day of arts activities, YAV artist performances, and professional development
sessions.
Roanoke Artist Showcase
Northside Middle School
March 19, 2015, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Performances by Young Audiences of Virginia artists and YAV professional
development sessions
The Arts Are Wild!
Virginia Zoo
May 2, 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A literacy event to promote good reading habits including performances from
YAV artists, literacy exploration stations, and a meet and greet with the award
winning author Kenn Nesbit
Copenhaver Institute
Roanoke College
June 22-24, 2015
High-quality professional development opportunity for PreK-12 teachers and
administrators
Inspiring Teachers through the Arts
TED Constant Center, Old Dominion University
June 25-26, 2015
A professional development conference for educators focusing on core curriculum
in art instruction
YAV Birthday Celebration
September 19, 2015
A birthday celebration to commemorate the 60th
anniversary for YAV