Learn about SMARTS Public Classes

SMARTS Summer 2026 Enrollment is Now Open!!!

Students experience engaging classes in Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theater, and Creative Writing— all within a nurturing environment filled with curiosity and imagination. We intentionally cultivate growth, confidence, and authentic self-expression in every young artist.

Our Workshops reinforce foundational techniques across each discipline—from drawing, painting, and design principles to movement fundamentals, rhythm and musical expression, stage presence, storytelling, and imaginative writing. We focus not only on developing technical skill, but also on empowering students to discover and refine their unique creative voice.

Each Workshop thoughtfully blends structured skill-building with collaborative projects—adding a pinch of SMARTS magic, a dash of curiosity, and a spark of innovation. By the end of the summer, students will have expanded their artistic abilities, strengthened creative problem-solving skills, and gained confidence expressing themselves across multiple art forms.

Rooted in wonder and guided by creativity, this summer experience helps young artists grow—in both skill and imagination.

Two classes. One creative mission. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!

View Summer 2026 PK-12 Class Catalog

Learn More about our Summer Classes and Enroll Below!

Early SMARTS Summer Workshops

Early SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs, Ages 18mos-5yrs | Week #1 June 8 & 9 | Monday & Tuesday | Alfred Todd

Early SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs, Ages 18mos-5yrs | Week #1 June 8 & 9 | Monday & Tuesday | Alfred Todd
We will borrow from old school “campfire” sites for a magical, high-energy class. This class is filled with rhythm, movement, and imagination. In this class, students will sing lively songs, dance to the beat of drums, and listen to engaging stories that spark creativity and connection. Through music and storytelling, we will build community and connection while exploring different rhythms, sounds, and expressive movements. This Workshop is all about letting loose, and celebrating the joy of making music together while learning.
Enroll in SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs

Early SMARTS: “Mr. Alfred Says”, Ages 18mos–5yrs old | Week #1 June 10 & 11 | Wednesday & Thursday | Alfred Todd

Early SMARTS: “Mr. Alfred Says”, Ages 18mos–5yrs old | Week #1 June 10 & 11 | Wednesday & Thursday | Alfred Todd
Get ready to wiggle, giggle, and listen closely! In this playful music-and-movement Workshop, we will build super listening skills through silly games and toe-tapping fun. We’ll dance our hearts out with favorites like Copycat, Freeze Dance, and Musical Statues, plus explore colorful scarves, tiny drums, and a little body percussion. But there’s one important rule… you can only do it if Mr. Alfred says! Perfect for busy little movers who love music, imagination, and a whole lot of fun!
Enroll in Early SMARTS: "Mr. Alfred Says"

Early SMARTS Frolic & Flow, Ages 18 mos-5yrs. old | Week #2 June 22 & 23 | Monday & Tuesday | Dulcinea Ramirez- Abercrombie

Early SMARTS Frolic & Flow, Ages 18 mos-5yrs. old | Week #2 June 22 & 23 | Monday & Tuesday | Dulcinea Ramirez- Abercrombie
Jump, wiggle, and twirl into a world of movement and imagination! In Frolic & Flow, little dancers will explore nature through playful dance and creative movement. We’ll sway like trees, flutter like butterflies, hop like frogs, and spin like the wind.
Using music, soundscapes, simple rhythms, and movement games, we will build coordination, confidence, and use our imaginations to bring nature to life. Come ready to move, groove, and play—because in this class, nature becomes a dance adventure!
Enroll in Early SMARTS Frolic & Flow

Early SMARTS Groove, Move & Match, Ages 18 mos-5yrs. old | Week #2 June 24 & 25 | Wednesday & Thursday | Dulcinea Ramirez-Abercrombie

Early SMARTS Groove, Move & Match, Ages 18 mos-5yrs. old | Week #2 June 24 & 25 | Wednesday & Thursday | Dulcinea Ramirez-Abercrombie
Get ready to wiggle, giggle, dance, and play! In this giant interactive color game, we will listen for colorful prompts and use our best moves to keep up with the beat. Stomp on red, jump to blue, spin to yellow, tap your toes, and freeze like a statue! We will practice our colors, put on our listening ears, and groove to the music while learning lots of silly dance moves along the way.
Enroll in Early SMARTS Groove, Move & Match

SMARTS Summer Workshops | Week #1 | June 8-12

SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs, Grades K-3 | Haley B

SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs, Grades K-3 | Haley B
This is not an all day Workshop. Please sign-up for either 10:00-12:00pm or 1:00-3:00pm.
We will borrow from old school “campfire” sites for a magical, high-energy class, filled with rhythm, movement, and imagination. In this class, students will sing lively songs, dance to the beat of drums, and listen to engaging stories that spark creativity and connection. Through music and storytelling, we will build community and connection while exploring different rhythms, sounds, and expressive movements. This Workshop is all about letting loose, and celebrating the joy of making music together.

Enroll in SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs 10:00am-12:00pm

Enroll in SMARTS Campfire Stories & Songs 1:00-3:00pm

SMARTS My Wandering Workbook, Grades 4-8 | Alayna W & Malorie M

SMARTS My Wandering Workbook, Grades 4-8 | Alayna W & Malorie M
My Wandering Workbook is a creative class where students learn to collect their thoughts, big emotions, and special memories in one place. In this hands-on art journaling experience, each student will design a unique visual diary using a variety of recycled and found materials.
Students will create their own pages using items like old tickets, tattered sheet music, photocopies from favorite books, magazines, scraps of paper, and other interesting materials we discover. Through collage, drawing, and storytelling, students will explore self-expression while building a one-of-a-kind wandering workbook they can continue adding to over time.
This class encourages creativity, reflection, and imagination while showing students that art can be made from everyday treasures. Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS My Wandering Workbook

SMARTS Summer Workshops | Week #2 | June 22-26

SMARTS Nature’s Paintbrush, Grades 4-8 | Gillian C & Leah F

SMARTS Nature’s Paintbrush, Grades 4-8 | Gillian C & Leah F
Nature is full of beauty—we just have to slow down and notice it. In this class, students will explore the natural world while learning the basics of painting. Bring an outdoor picture of your own or paint a place completely from your imagination. This class is all about vibrant landscapes—grassy fields, flowing water, and open skies; Places that give us serenity and peace. We will work with different mediums to learn essential techniques: color mixing, brush control, layering, and creating texture. Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS Nature's Paintbrush

SMARTS Dance Through the Decades, Grades 4-12 | Margie R & Dulcinea R - A

SMARTS Dance Through the Decades, Grades 4-12 | Margie R & Dulcinea R - A
Ever wonder how TikTok became a dance sensation? Step back in time and find out! In this Workshop, dancers will explore the iconic moves that shaped each generation—from the lively flappers of the 1920s to disco fever, street dance, and today’s viral trends. Participants will learn fun choreography, discover the history behind famous dance crazes, and see how dance has evolved over the decades into the moves we know today. Get ready to move, groove, learn, and dance through history! Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS Dance Through the Decades

SMARTS All About Dungeons & Dragons, Grades 4-8 | Gillian C & Dominic A

SMARTS All About Dungeons & Dragons, Grades 4-8 | Gillian C & Dominic A
Bring your friends and step into a world of dragons, magic, and limitless imagination in this exciting and interactive Workshop all about Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)—a storytelling game where you become the hero of your own adventure.
In this hands-on D&D experience, you'll design your very own fantasy character, whether it's a brave ranger, a clever wizard, or a sneaky rogue. Then, with your team of fellow adventurers, you'll journey through thrilling imaginary worlds, solve challenging puzzles, battle fearsome monsters, and make choices that shape a story that’s unique every time you play.
Take all you create into the art session to sculpt a mini-figurine of your character, build a map, or draw a scene from the story you construct.
Guiding each session are SMARTS Teachers who will serve as the Artist and Dungeon Master—the game’s storyteller and leader—who help the group navigate every twist and turn of the adventure. No previous experience is needed, just creativity, curiosity, and a love of stories. Roll the dice and let the adventure unfold! Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS All About Dungeons & Dragons

SMARTS Summer Workshops | Week #3 | July 13-17

SMARTS Steel & Skin, Grades 4-12 | Daniel S & Pete B

SMARTS Steel & Skin, Grades 4-12 | Daniel S & Pete B
Drums are special in cultures all around the world. From the Native American drum, often called “the Heartbeat of Mother Earth,” to the African “Talking Drum,” percussion instruments have long been used to celebrate life’s milestones like: births, weddings, and funerals. They have signaled war, brought communities together, and connected people through spirituality, storytelling, and rhythm.
This Workshop gives students the opportunity to experience both the Steelpan and the Djembe through hands-on playing, listening, and group participation. Students will explore how these instruments represent resilience, communication, culture, and community while creating rhythms together. Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink drink.
Enroll in SMARTS Steel & Skin

SMARTS Beads, Bits & Baubles, Grades 6-12 | Michelle I & Shaq J

SMARTS Beads, Bits & Baubles, Grades 6-12 | Michelle I & Shaq J
Create something beautiful to wear, or decorate your room with! Art isn’t just painting or drawing—sometimes it’s the tiny details that shine the brightest. In this hands-on Workshop, we’ll explore the world of beads, charms, and all things sparkly. Learn how to design and craft your own jewelry and accessories using techniques like sewing, stringing, and simple wire work.
Whether you’re making bracelets, necklaces, keychains, or one-of-a-kind keepsakes, this is your space to experiment, play, and let your creativity wander. Mix colors, textures, and styles to create pieces that are uniquely you. Come ready to make, connect, and leave with wearable art inspired by your imagination! Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS Beads, Bits & Baubles

SMARTS The EVER Changing Stage – Improvisational Theater, Grades 4-12 | Chloe D & Maja K

SMARTS The EVER Changing Stage – Improvisational Theater, Grades 4-12 | Chloe D & Maja K
Step into a world where nothing is fixed and everything is possible. The Ever-Changing Stage is a high-energy, imagination-fueled class that throws you into ever-changing scenes, unexpected genres, and wildly different time periods—sometimes all at once. One moment you’re in a medieval castle, the next you’re on a spaceship or in a soap opera gone wrong. The only rule? Commit fully and make it real.
Through playful games, bold experiments, and spontaneous scene work, you’ll stretch your creativity, take risks, and discover just how far your instincts can take you. You’ll practice thinking on your feet, embracing the unexpected, and turning mistakes into magic. This class celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and fearless performance, helping you stay grounded in character while everything around you shifts.
Come ready to laugh, explore, and surprise yourself—because on The Ever—Changing Stage, anything can happen, and that’s where the fun begins. Students must bring their own labeled Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS The EVER Changing Stage

SMARTS Song Parody, Grades 4-12 | James H & Chloe D

SMARTS Song Parody, Grades 4-12 | James H & Chloe D
A parody is a humorously exaggerated imitation of a writer, artist, or genre. We will take popular songs, jingles, and commercial tunes and rewrite them to be funny, serious, or completely over-the-top. Then we’ll share our creations with one goal in mind: deep belly laughs! This Workshop has only two rules: bring your creativity and encourage the creativity of others. Students must bring their own labeled lunch and drink.
Enroll in SMARTS Song Parody

Become a SMARTS Student Today!

To take SMARTS free classes and to receive communication about SMARTS class offerings, complete a new student application.

New PK-12 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.