Learn about SMARTS Public Classes
SMARTS Spring 2026 Enrollment is Now Open!!!
We’re excited to announce that enrollment is now open for SMARTS Spring classes! This semester, SMARTS is offering 36 free classes with 385 spots for students. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for 9 weeks. All classes are free, open to the public, and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our spring lineup celebrates creativity, collaboration, and artistic discovery. Students can create bold characters and epic stories in Heroes, Villains, and Everything In Between, or unwind together in Family Rest and Relaxation, a yoga class designed for the whole family. With opportunities for a wide range of ages and experience levels, SMARTS Spring classes are designed to inspire imagination and help artists grow.
Spots are limited and will fill quickly. For questions, please contact SMARTS at 330.574.2787 ext. 2. All free public classes are held at SMARTS in the Ohio One Building, located at 25 E. Boardman Street. We look forward to welcoming you to a creative and inspiring spring at SMARTS!
Learn More about our Spring Classes and Enroll Below!
SMARTS Visual Art Classes
SMARTS Healing the Artist Way, Grades 4-12 (Emily Fetsko)
Get ready to dive into your inner self and let your creativity lead the way! Healing the Artist Way is a fun, hands-on art class where you can paint, draw, build, and express what’s going on inside—all while learning cool ways to care for your heart and mind.
Led by a visual artist who is currently studying to be an art therapist. This class is all about expressing through art. Each week, we’ll try out different mediums, discover new perspectives and use creative tools to help you feel calm, confident, and connected. It's not about being “good” at art—it’s about letting your art be you.
Come as you are—curious, quiet, silly, serious, or anything in between. Your story matters, and your art can help tell it.
Whether you're bursting with ideas or feeling stuck, this is a safe space to express yourself, improve social skills, and create something meaningful. You'll learn coping skills and leave feeling lighter, stronger, and more in tune with your creative self.
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Heroes, Villains and Everything In-Between! Grades 6-12 (Dominic Adams & Robert Kerr)
Love comic books? Alternate realities? Have a wild and expansive imagination? This class gives students the chance to step into the real world of comic creation. Students will become comic writers and animators by writing an original story, creating well -defined characters and script writing the plot!
In this high-energy, hands-on class, students will create their own superheroes, supervillains, or ambiguous in-between characters. Next, they will insert their characters into the plot of the story- focusing on conflict, character development, compelling plots, and more! Expect tons of drawing, brainstorming, and creativity as we design unique stories bursting with humor, drama, and flair.
By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to:
• Storyboard their scenes like real comic artists
• Write thrilling original storyline
• Build comic panels packed with action and drama
•Create expressive characters, dynamic setting and consistent panels
• Create simple animations that bring their characters to life!
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own comic universe, this class is your Launchpad. Get ready to imagine big, draw proudly, and bring your stories to life!
Tuesdays @ 5:00-7:00pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
Enroll in SMARTS Heroes, Villains and Everything In-Between!
Shapes & Shadows: Drawing Made Easy! Grades K–3 (Mia Mondora)
Did you know that everything you see is made of shapes? There are shapes and forms in everything, from people’s faces to the clouds we see outside! In this class, students will learn how to spot circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles in objects and turn shapes into amazing drawings.
We’ll train our eyes to break big ideas into simple shapes, making drawing easier, more approachable, and (of course) more fun! Students will also explore light and shadow, discovering how shapes change when light moves and how shadows can make drawings pop right off the page and jump right at you!
Whether you want to draw silly creatures or tall buildings, shapes are the foundation of all great art. With practice and creativity, you’ll see the world in shapes & shadows and learn to draw with confidence!
Wednesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR | April 15
SMARTS “A Painter’s Crash Course,” Grades 4–12 (Mia Mondora)
Grab your brushes—it's time to turn big ideas into bold masterpieces! In this fun, fast-paced class, students will watch their artwork grow from tiny doodles and loose sketches into full acrylic paintings they’ll be excited to show off. We’ll jump into creative brainstorming exercises, practice drawing tricks that make ideas easier to build, and explore how artists develop a consistent art practice. From magical underpainting to gradually stacking bright, colorful layers, students will experiment with techniques that make their artwork glow, pop, and come to life. By the end, each artist will create a vibrant final painting that shows off their imagination and growing skills!
Wednesdays @ 5:00-6:00pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR | April 15
SMARTS Stitch It or Switch It, Grades 6-12 (Michelle Ingram)
Ready to cut, twist, tie, and transform fabric? In this class built around creative challenges and exploration through textiles, we will dive into the magic fabric using a variety unexpected material to make things that might be wearable, decorative—or totally unexpected!
Students will have up to three projects to choose from, such as a fabric roll or rug that tells a story, a soft sculpture or fabric statue, or a wearable piece like a scarf or shrug. With lots of textures, colorful fabrics, simple tools, and easy-to-learn techniques, we will test ideas, problem-solve, and see where our creativity leads us. We’ll learn basic hand sewing and binding techniques—no sewing experience required! Curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to experiment are all you need.
This class is about having fun, taking creative risks, and exploring possibilities, not being perfect. Whether you’re making accessories, soft sculptures, or inventing something entirely new, get ready to stitch it, switch it, and see what you can create!
Wednesdays @ 6:10-7:00pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR | April 15
SMARTS Family Ceramics: From Mud to Music, Grades K-12 & Adults (Sarah Fenton)
**Students under age 10 (below 4th grade) must be accompanied by an adult. Those in 4th grade or older may attend independently, with siblings, or with an adult. All participants must have a student application completed and register for the class**
Get ready to squish, shape, and make some noise! From Mud to Music is a playful ceramics class where kids and grown-ups create side by side. Together, you’ll build clay rattles, bells, and whistles, then work your way up to a collaborative relief sculpture—all while learning fun hand-building techniques like pinch pots, coil building, and more.
You'll also explore surface design with techniques like sgraffito, stamping, and under glazing to add color, pattern, and texture to your creations. Whether you're making a rattle that sings or a sculpture that tells a story, this class is all about creativity, connection, sound, and fun.
No experience needed—just come ready to get a little muddy!
Saturdays @11:00-1:00pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Family Ceramics: From Mud to Music
SMARTS Music Classes
Unlike most SMARTS classes, piano, violin, ukulele, and guitar are full-year classes. Students who have completed one semester (fall or spring) will be placed first due to the full year requirement. Remaining spaces will be filled using the waitlist. Each student in these classes is provided an opportunity to complete a full 18-weeks (9 weeks in the fall, and 9 weeks in the spring) at each level.
If you are interested in piano, violin, ukulele, or guitar classes, you must complete a waitlist form, and await a placement notification. When a spot becomes available, we will reach out to you with a class that fits your skill level.
SMARTS Steel Band, Grades 4–12 (Daniel Shiller)
Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, the steelpan was born from musicians playing instruments such as bamboo, biscuit tins, dustbins, and oil drums. While beating the oil drum, the musicians began to cause dents in the metal. Finding the dents, they created had different pitches, they started to dent the oil drums on purpose, and these dents allowed them to play melodies. The steelpan, or steel drum, is handmade by a tuner, who hammers the steel into shape. Steelpans are not standardized and are created in different sizes such as bass pans, rhythm pans, and lead pans. These different sizes make up the steel band, giving it a range similar to an orchestra. Steel bands are made up of steelpans, playing everything from Calypso, Reggae, Motown, and even Classical music. Steel bands also consist of a percussion section called an engine room, which keeps the band moving by providing a rhythmic backbone. The engine room consists of drum set, congas, shakers, scratchers, cowbells, and the iron. This class will further explore more advanced steelpan and percussion techniques. Students can expect to gain experience on a variety of both pitched and non-pitched percussion. Because of the volume of the instruments, students are
encouraged to bring ear protection such as earbuds or earplugs to ensure hearing safety during rehearsals. Students should already have a basic understanding of music and rhythm reading before enrolling in the course.
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
Enroll in SMARTS Steel Band, Grades 4–12 5:00-5:45pm
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Beats “Drums for ALL”, Grades K–12 & Family (Hailey Baker)
Join us for a good old-fashioned drum circle! Hand drums and other percussion instruments come together to create lively, rhythmic beats in a fun and inclusive setting.
Through drumming, participants build fine motor skills, explore patterns and sequencing, practice following directions, and learn the joy of taking turns. Drum circles also strengthen community, confidence, and communication skills—all while making music together.
All are welcome—ages 0–100, with no experience needed and no limitations on ability. Individuals with special needs and families are encouraged to attend. Come for one session or join us for all nine! Bring the whole family and enjoy meaningful musical bonding time.
If you’re curious about music-making or prefer learning by doing, this is the perfect class to jump in and try it out.
Tuesdays @ 4:20-4:50pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Guitar Lesson/Studio (1A & 1B), Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
With guitar, you can learn to play all the songs you love and even write your own music! In this class, you will learn how to tune and hold your guitar, strum basic rhythm patterns, and learn beginner chord progressions that will get you playing songs quickly. We have everything from finger training exercises to play-along videos to help you build confidence as you learn at your own pace. When you meet with your SMARTS Teacher, learning goals will be personalized to your interests and how you are progressing on the instrument. SMARTS has a limited number of guitars available for students who do not own a guitar. There will be SMARTS Guitar Practice Cards issued and each student must practice a minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day.
All music students in lessons are scheduled and placed manually by SMARTS staff according to ability level and availability. Enrollment prioritizes students currently taking lessons at SMARTS, then students on the waitlist, and finally new students.
Wednesdays @ 4:00-4:50pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Advanced Guitar, Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world. The iconic guitar sound can be heard in most music genres including rock, jazz, funk, soul, metal, pop, bluegrass, country, and many more. This class will build on the basics taught in Guitar 1A & 1B, to help you build the skills to play unique riffs and more challenging songs. We will work through music theory, advanced chord progressions, inversions, compound and irregular time signatures, scale patterns, and improvisation. The learning goals will be personalized to the needs of the class and the individual students. SMARTS has a limited number of guitars available for students who do not own a guitar. There will be SMARTS Guitar Practice Cards issued and each student must practice a minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day. All music students in lessons are scheduled and placed manually by SMARTS staff according to ability level and availability. Enrollment prioritizes students currently taking lessons at SMARTS, then students on the waitlist, and finally new students.
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Rock Band, Grades 4-12 (Simon Kenneally)
Want to be a rock star but not too keen on starting a band in your parent’s garage? Join this gig! We’re looking for guitarists, drummers, singers, bassists, keyboardists – you name it. In this class the students will be working together to write original songs. Throughout the process, students will get a hands-on experience of being "in the band” from the initial stages of collaborating with each other to complete their own songs, to rehearsing together and finally recording their songs! Students of this class will get a fuller appreciation of music creation, teamwork and what it takes to actually record a hit song and perform a live show as a real band! The SMARTS Rock Band will showcase their original song(s) at the SMARTS Family Dinner. Students must be proficient with their instrument and comfortable reading rhythms and notes to enroll.
Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:00pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Adventures in Piano 1, Grades K-2 (Rasa Ahmadi)
This is the first beginner-level piano class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades K-2. Adventures in Piano will teach you the basic rhythm, music reading, and listening skills needed to take piano later in the SMARTS Piano Lab. Explore the piano using all your senses with colors, videos, soundtracks, and movement games. You’ll get to make your own songs, and you might even get to try other instruments, too! Register for this adventure to discover if piano is the instrument for you!
Saturdays @ 10:30-11:20am
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Adventures in Piano 2, Grades K-2 (Rasa Ahmadi)
This is the second beginner-level piano class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades K-2. Adventures in Piano will teach you the basic rhythm, music reading, and listening skills needed to take piano later in the SMARTS Piano Lab. Explore the piano using all your senses with colors, videos, soundtracks, and movement games. You’ll get to make your own songs, and you might even get to try other instruments, too! Register for this adventure to discover if piano is the instrument for you!
Saturdays @ 11:30-12:20pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Piano Lab 1A, Grades 3-12 (James Harris)
This is the first beginner-level piano lab class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades 3-12. This class is a prerequisite for all other piano lab classes.
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Piano Lab 1A
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Saturdays @ 10:10-10:55am
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Saturdays @ 11:00-11:45am
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Saturdays @ 12:00-12:45pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Piano Lab 1B, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the second beginner-level piano lab class in a series offered at SMARTS for grades 3-12. Piano Lab 1A is a prerequisite for this class. If a student has prior piano skills, they may opt to take a skills assessment with a SMARTS Instructor by appointment to place into a higher class. This class is a hybrid class that combines video instruction on Virtual SMARTS and live instruction in-person or virtually.
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Piano Lab 1C
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Wednesdays @ 6:00-6:50pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Piano Lab 1C, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the third level of the beginner piano lab series offered at SMARTS, following Piano Lab 1A and Piano Lab 1B. This class continues to build on the foundational piano skills, helping students in grades 3- 12 further develop their technical abilities and understanding of music theory.
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Piano 2A and Beyond, Grades 3-12 (Alex Miller)
This is the third-leveled piano class offered by SMARTS for grades 4-12. This class covers more advanced piano techniques and skills. Students will be placed in this course based on completion of Piano 1A and 1B. Students that have prior experience may opt to take a skills assessment with a SMARTS Instructor by appointment to place into this class.
This class will have a strong focus on applying music theory to music-making and song creation.
Additionally, we will work through playing more challenging pieces while experimenting with emotion and style. Students in this class will develop an advanced understanding of simple and compound time signatures, intervallic relationships, chords, and syncopated rhythms.
Wednesdays @ 4:00-4:55pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Beginner Violin 1, Grades 3–12 (Angelica Bohurjak)
This introductory violin class is designed for students who are new to playing the violin or just beginning to learn how to read and write music. Through this course, students will build a strong foundation by learning to identify the parts of the violin, develop proper posture and bow hold, and practice basic bowing and pizzicato (finger-plucking) techniques on open strings.
Students will also learn to listen carefully and play together in unison within a group. Developing skill on the violin requires patience, focus, and attention to detail—but it is a beautiful and rewarding instrument to learn.
Throughout the course, students will engage in warm-ups and exercises that prepare them to progress through Suzuki Book 1. Each student will be responsible for tracking their individual practice time using a practice journal.
Practice Requirement:
4 days per week, 20 minutes per day. SMARTS suggest a minimum of 2 hours a week.
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:40pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Beginner Cello, Grades 3-12 (Angelica Bohurjak)
This is the first cello class offered in the SMARTS String Program, designed for students who are just beginning to play the cello or who are learning to read and write music. Students will build a strong foundation by learning to identify the parts of the cello, develop proper posture, establish correct bow hold, and practice basic bowing and pizzicato (finger-plucking) techniques on open strings.
Learning the cello requires patience, concentration, and attention to detail—but it is a beautiful and rewarding instrument to study. Students will engage in warm-ups and exercises that prepare them to play through Suzuki Book 1. To support consistent progress, students will be required to track their practice time weekly using a practice card.
Practice Requirement:
4 days per week, 20 minutes per day. SMARTS suggest a minimum of 2hours a week
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:40pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Intermediate Violin, Grades 3–12 (Josie Sollitto)
This class is designed for students with at least one year of violin experience who can play through most of Suzuki Book 1. Students should have a solid understanding of basic posture, bowing, and note-reading, and be ready to develop more advanced skills.
In this course, students will strengthen their technique through more complex bowing patterns, fingerings, dynamics, and tone production. They will build ensemble skills, improve musical expression, and refine their intonation and rhythm. Music literacy will continue to be developed through listening, sight-reading, and group playing.
Students will work on pieces and exercises that reinforce skills from the end of Suzuki Book 1 and introduce early elements from Suzuki Book 2. Regular home practice and consistent journaling of practice time are essential for continued progress.
Prerequisite: Completion of at least one year of violin instruction and the ability to play through most of Suzuki Book 1.
Practice Requirement: 4 days per week, 20 minutes per day. SMARTS suggest a minimum of 2 hours a week
Wednesdays @ 4:00-6:00pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Intermediate Cello, Grades 3–12 (Josie Sollitto)
This class is designed for students who have completed at least one year of cello instruction and can play through most of Suzuki Book 1. Students should have a strong grasp of basic posture, bow hold, and open-string technique, and be ready to expand their technical and musical skills.
In this course, students will work on more advanced bowing techniques, finger placement, tone production, and dynamics. They will build confidence in playing in tune, reading music more fluently, and developing musical expression. Exercises and studies will support the transition into early material from Suzuki Book 2.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning by journaling their practice time and committing to consistent home practice.
Prerequisite: At least one year of cello experience and the ability to play through most of Suzuki Book 1.
Practice Requirement: 4 days per week, 20 minutes per day. SMARTS suggest a minimum of 2 hours a week
Wednesdays @ 6:00-7:00pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Music Lab Series, Grades 5-12 (Simon Kenneally)
Find the right key to unlock & grow your inner musician. SMARTS Music Lab is designed for advanced students who are already comfortable with an instrument (or more) and are eager to take their musicality to the next level. This program is centered around helping young musicians discover their unique style, improve their musicality, and guide them through the process of becoming a professional musician. The course will empower students to experiment with different genres, develop a deep understanding of music production, and gain the skills necessary to present themselves professionally in the music
industry. SMARTS students are expected to maintain an attendance rate of at least 80%. SMARTS Students must register for each semester in order to complete the full series. This semester’s focus is Classical | Atmospheric | Thematic
Spring 2026 Semester 4: Classical | Atmospheric | Thematic
- Classical: Understand orchestration, harmony, and form as students learn the foundations of classical music composition.
- Atmospheric | Thematic: Dive into cinematic and ambient music creation, learning how to build emotional soundscapes and thematic music.
Key Program Components:
- Experimenting with Music Creation and Recording:
Students will have the chance to compose their own pieces, whether in traditional notation or modern digital formats, and record them using professional studio techniques. - Introduction to Music Production:
Students will explore the tools and techniques used in music production, learning how to record, mix, and master their music in a professional environment. This will include training on digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other recording software. - Building Your Artist Profile:
In addition to learning how to create music, students will also develop the skills to present and promote their sound. The course will guide students on how to establish their personal brand, perform live, and start developing a social media presence and digital portfolio. - Professional Recording Portfolio:
Throughout the course, students will build a professional recording portfolio that showcases their growth, creativity, and the culmination of their work in various genres. This portfolio will serve as an essential tool for entering the music industry.
Program Benefits:
- Discover Your Musical Identity:
By exploring different genres, students will better understand their musical influences and preferences, developing their own unique sound and style. - Hands-On Experience:
The program emphasizes practical learning, giving students the opportunity to experiment with creating and recording their music, just like professional musicians. - Skills for the Music Industry:
Students will gain a solid foundation in music production and performance, helping them prepare for a career in the music industry, whether as a solo artist, band member, or producer. - Creative Confidence:
As students experiment with their music and present it in various professional formats, they will build the confidence needed to pursue their passion in the arts.
End Result:
By the end of the program, students will:
- Have a deeper understanding of musical genres and their historical significance.
- Be equipped with the skills to create, record, and produce their own music.
- Build a professional portfolio that showcases their artistic abilities and prepares them for the music industry.
SMARTS Music Lab is more than just a music course—it’s a journey of self-discovery, artistic growth, and preparation for a future in the ever-evolving music industry. Join us to refine your craft and step into the world of music as a true artist!
SMARTS Students must register for each semester in order to complete the full series. This semesters focus is Classical | Atmospheric | Thematic **Special incentive for students who have perfect attendance **
Semester 4: Classical | Atmospheric | Thematic
Tuesdays @ 4:00-7:00pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Dance Classes
SMARTS: Feel the Beat, Grades K–3 (Dulcinea Ramirez- Abercrombie)
Get ready to move, groove, and imagine! SMARTS: Feel the Beat invites kids to explore music and movement while learning how their bodies can tell stories and show feelings. Through fun games, storytelling, creative movement, and playful choreography, students will dance through big emotions like joy, confidence, calm, and excitement. This class is all about trying new moves, expressing feelings, and having fun—no dance experience needed, just energy, curiosity, and a love of moving to the beat!
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
March NO 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR | April 15
SMARTS: Family Rest and Relaxation, Grades K-12 & Adult (Christina Long)
Take a break from the hecticness of daily life and join us for some zen fun! SMARTS: Family Rest and Relaxation is a cozy, feel-good class where we get to slow down, move a little, breathe a lot, and relax together. We’ll stretch like sleepy cats, practice easy breathing, use mindfulness by playing yoga- related games, and more! Our goal is to make sure you leave feeling refreshed and equipped with tools to distress at home, school or anytime life feels a little too loud! Bring your own yoga mat if you have one. If not, one will be provided.
Saturdays @11:00-11:45am
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Theater Classes
SMARTS Flip the Script, Grades 4-12 (Maja Kibler & Amanda Beagle)
Get ready to step inside the control room of theatrical creation! In this in-depth, hands-on workshop, students will be paired and challenged to direct, write, and stage an original skit. They will be using real techniques from modern playwrighting, focusing on writing lines – scripts, learning blocking & stage directions.
Partners will develop character backstories, dramatic objectives, and conflicts, to shape convincing dialogue. Students must create the characters, assign physicality and voice, and cast actors, building the full foundation of a staged narrative.
Every participant will rotate through the roles of playwright, actor, and director, gaining a deeper understanding of how text, performance, and staging inform one another. Students will swap characters and scenes, forcing each writer to see how another performer uniquely interprets their creative choices. This challenge will help students understand the complexity of crafting theatrical moments—translating emotion into action, working subtext into dialogue, and transforming a written script into a live performance.
Think bringing a character to life is simple?
Come flip the script—and prove it.
Saturdays @ 12:00-1:00pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
SMARTS Creative Writing Classes
SMARTS Heroes, Villains and Everything In-Between! Grades 6-12 (Dominic Adams & Robert Kerr)
Love comic books? Alternate realities? Have a wild and expansive imagination?
Step into the world of comic creation. This class is the perfect pairing of visual art and creative writing, students will have the opportunity to become comic writers and animators by writing an original story, creating well -defined characters and script writing the plot!
Creating their own superheroes, supervillains, or ambiguous in-between characters. Next, they will insert their characters into the plot of the story- focusing on conflict, character development, compelling plots, and more! Expect tons of drawing, brainstorming, and creativity as we design unique stories bursting with humor, drama, and flair.
By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to:
Storyboard their scenes like real comic artists
Write thrilling original storyline
Build comic panels packed with action and drama
Create expressive characters, dynamic setting and consistent panels
Create simple animations that bring their characters to life!
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own comic universe, this class is your Launchpad. Get ready to imagine big, draw proudly, and bring your stories to life!
Tuesdays @ 5:00-6:00pm
Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
March NO 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
Enroll in SMARTS Heroes, Villains and Everything In-Between!
Early SMARTS Classes (18 Months- 5 Years)
Early SMARTS Classes are designed for children 18 months to 5 years old, who have not yet entered Kindergarten. All Early SMARTS students must be accompanied by one adult (parent, guardian, grandparent, or approved adult).
Early SMARTS Elements of Fun, Ages 18 months-5yrs & 1 Adult (Kate Easterday)
Inspired by the colorful world of Eric Carle and beloved stories like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Ladybug, and The Very Busy Spider, this class blends great books with great art-making!
Each class features a story that sparks imagination, an introduction to an Element of Art, and a hands-on art project that brings the pages to life. The 7 Elements of Art—Line, Shape, Color, Value, Texture, Space, and Form—are explored as the building blocks behind every masterpiece.
Through storytelling, creativity, and playful exploration, we will build early art skills, grow confidence, and develop a lifelong love of reading and making art.
Saturdays @11:00-11:40am
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
Art You Can SEE| April 14
Art You Can HEAR| April 15
Early SMARTS Song Adventures, Ages 18 months-5yrs & 1 Adult (Rasa Ahmadi)
Get ready to sing, dance, play, and make some noise! This music class is all about creating new songs.
We will clap, stomp, wiggle, make sounds with our bodies, and play a few instruments. Using some simple songs as the base, we will rework them until they become our own silly, sneaky or funny SMARTS songs.
Each class promises to be a musical adventure, we hope you can join us to see what we can discover together.
Saturdays @ 12:30-1:00pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
Early SMARTS: Lil Yogis, Ages 18 months–5yrs & 1Adult (Christina Long)
Stretch, wiggle, and giggle! Lil Yogis is a sweet and playful class for our tiniest movers to stretch, breathe, and imagine through fun yoga poses, silly songs, stories, and calming movements and best practices. With a grown-up by their side, little ones will explore big feelings, strong emotions and learn easy calm-down skills—all while sharing smiles, laughter, and fun. Bring your own yoga mat if you have one. If not, one will be provided.
Saturdays @12:00-12:30pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
March NO 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11
ART You Can SEE | April 14
ART You Can HEAR| April 15
Become a SMARTS Student Today!
To take SMARTS free classes and to receive communication about SMARTS class offerings, complete a new student application.
About Us
SMARTS, Students Motivated by the Arts, is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art school.
Address: 25 East Boardman Street, First Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Phone: 330-574-2787
Email: info@smartsartschool.org
Our Classes
SMARTS classes have been free and open to the public since 1997. To become a SMARTS student and receive regular communication about our class offerings, complete a new student application. Classes are filled on a first-come, first serve basis.