Learn about SMARTS Public Classes
SMARTS Fall 2026 Enrollment Open Now!!!
We are excited to announce 32 classes offered this Fall semester at SMARTS, held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. All classes are free, open to the public, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This Fall, SMARTS offers a mix of everything artsy. Learn about the art of soap opera theater in Days of SMARTS Lives or connect yourself back to nature and see the beauty around you in SMARTS Organically You. There is a little something for everyone this semester even an opportunity for adults to get messy and make something special in Tchotchkes, Baubles and Mementos. We hope you find something you love or find something that sparks your interest.
View the classes and enroll below! Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a class is full, you may join the waitlist and will be notified if a space opens up for your student! For questions, please contact SMARTS at 330.574.2787 ext. 2.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to SMARTS this fall!
In the meantime, follow us on Facebook (@SMARTSartschool) and Instagram (@smarts_art_school) for program updates, announcements, and special events!
Learn More about our Fall Classes and Enroll Below!
SMARTS Visual Art Classes
SMARTS Idea to IMAX! Grades 4–8 (Robert Kerr)
If films like Kubo and the Two Strings, Coraline, Corpse Bride, or Wendell & Wild catch your interest, this class is for you! We will learn all about the complete filmmaking process—from pre-production to post-production.
Students will develop original story ideas, create storyboards, design characters and mini sets, and plan each scene before bringing their animations to life using frame-by-frame stop-motion techniques. We will then edit our projects by selecting the best footage, adjusting pacing, and adding sound effects, music, titles, transitions, and simple visual effects to create a final film or short. Along the way, students will build skills in storytelling, animation, video editing, creative problem-solving, and digital media while creating their own stop-motion masterpiece from concept to screen.
Tuesdays @ 5:00-7:00pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Idea to IMAX! today!(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Miss Leah Doesn’t See Mistakes, Grades K–3 (Leah Franke)
Tear, drip, splash, rip, crumble—let’s turn those “oops!” moments into art! Inspired by the book Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg, this fun, class invites you to get messy, playful, and creative while discovering that in art, a mistake can become something wonderful.
Through paper, paint, smudges, splatters, and collage, we will experiment with materials and transform unexpected marks into imaginative creations. Along the way, we will learn to take creative risks, embrace happy accidents, and think of mistakes as new possibilities.
Most importantly, we’ll have fun exploring, making, and imagining together! By the end of class, students may see those little “oops!” moments in a whole new way—because sometimes the best art happens when things don’t go exactly as planned!
Wednesdays @ 4:00-4:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Miss Leah Doesn't See Mistakes today!(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Fashion Croquis, Grades 6-12 (Chloe Deak)
Step into the exciting world of fashion design! In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of fashion illustration by drawing fashion croquis (stylized fashion figures), designing original outfits, and experimenting with color, patterns, fabric textures, and accessories.
Students will also explore the history of fashion by discovering influential fashion eras and the cultural movements that inspired iconic styles. Along the way, they'll study the work of legendary fashion designers and learn how their creativity shaped trends and transformed the fashion industry.
Throughout the course, students will strengthen their drawing and design skills while building a portfolio of original fashion illustrations to take home. Whether you're an aspiring fashion designer or simply love to draw and create, this class offers a fun and inspiring way to express your creativity while learning about fashion, art, and design.
No prior experience is necessary—all skill levels are welcome!
Wednesdays @ 5:10-5:55pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
SMARTS Tchotchkes, Baubles and Mementos, Adults (Leah Sydney)
***We kindly request a donation of $25 to help cover the cost of clay, tools, and other supplies that will be used in this class***
Pottery has held meaning in all cultures across the span of human history. For thousands of years, people have shaped clay into cups, bowls, vases, and keepsakes — now it’s your turn to join that tradition.
This class provides an opportunity to slow down, get your hands dirty, and create something you can treasure forever. Working side by side, you’ll learn the basics of hand-building techniques like pinch pots and coil building. Together we will make fun and functional items such as soap dishes, toothbrush holders, jewelry trays, and more.
As your skills grow, we will work toward a final project—something personal and display-worthy to take home and remember our time together.
Saturdays @ 11:00-11:50am
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Tchotchkes, Baubles and Mementos, Adults(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Tchotchkes, Baubles and Mementos, Grades 4-12 (Leah Sydney)
Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing! In this fun, hands-on class, students will learn simple clay techniques, like coil building, while creating useful and quirky treasures like pinch pots, jewelry trays, soap dishes, catch-all bowls, and more.
Experiment, squish, shape, and create as you discover what clay can do. Then put your skills to the test with a project that’s uniquely yours.
Saturdays @ 12:00-12:50pm
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Tchotchkes, Baubles and Mementos, Grades 4-12(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Advertise a Different Tune! Grades 4-12 (Nick Mays)
What details in a concert poster make it impossible to ignore? Exploring the connection between music, art, and advertising, we will create bold, eye-catching posters that grasp attention and express an idea.
We will study how musicians, concerts, festivals, and brands use color, lettering, imagery, and design to create a strong visual identity. Then, we will become the artists and designers behind our own creative Idea.
Using pencils, markers, paint, and paper—no digital tools!—we will experiment with color, hand-lettering, composition, imagery, and layout to create compelling, attention-grabbing posters inspired by music, artists, and lyrics.
Design a poster for your favorite band, song or artist, an imaginary concert, a music festival, a new album, or even your own musical group or band! Create something that makes people stop, look, and want to listen!
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Advertise a Different Tune!(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Organically You, Grades 4-12 (Nina Battaglia)
Slow down. Look around. Create what you see—and what you feel.
The Earth is filled with endless inspiration through what we see and feel. Flowers, birds, trees, insects, leaves, water, rocks, clouds, patterns, textures, and the changing seasons all offer something beautiful to discover.
We will forage the natural world through a variety of artistic media and techniques. Each class will begin with observation and inspiration, to really help us look at the details, colors, shapes, textures, and patterns found in nature.
We will experiment with techniques like drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, mixed media, and natural textures, to transform observations into original works of art.
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMART Family Dinner | November 18
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
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Steel Band 5:00pm(opens in new tab)
Tuesdays @ 6:00-6:45pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
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
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Guitar Lesson/Studio(opens in new tab)
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
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
(opens in new tab)Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Advanced Guitar Lessons(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
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
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in SMARTS Rock Band(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Adventures in Piano 1, Grades K-2 (TBA)
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
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14 SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Join the Waitlist for Adventures in Piano 1(opens in new tab)
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SMARTS Adventures in Piano 2, Grades K-2 (TBA)
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
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14 SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Join the Waitlist for Adventures in Piano 2(opens in new tab)
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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.
Saturdays @ 10:10-10:55am
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Saturdays @ 11:00-11:45am
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Saturdays @ 12:00-12:45pm
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
SMARTS Piano Lab 1B, Grades 3-12 (TBA)
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.
Tuesdays @ 4:10-4:55pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Tuesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Wednesdays @ 6:00-6:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
SMARTS Piano Lab 1C, Grades 3-12 (TBA)
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
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Join the Waitlist for Piano 1C(opens in new tab)
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SMARTS Piano 2A and Beyond, Grades 3-12 (TBA)
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 @ 5:00-5:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner| November 18
Join the Waitlist for Piano 2A and Beyond(opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Beginner Violin 1, Grades 3–12 (Josie Sollitto)
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: Minimum of 4 days a week, 20 minutes each day. SMARTS suggests a minimum of 2 hours a week.
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Beginner Violin(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Beginner Cello, Grades 3-12 (Josie Sollitto)
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 suggests a minimum of 2hours a week
Wednesdays @ 6:00-6:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Beginner Cello(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Intermediate Violin & Intermediate Cello, Grades 3-12 (Josie Sollitto)
This class is designed for students with at least one year of violin or cello 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 or cello 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 @ 4:00-4:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Intermediate Violin & Intermediate Cello(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Dance Classes
Peace, Love and SMARTS Soul Train, Grades K-3 (Dulcinea Ramirez-Abercrombie)
Get ready to get down, shake a tail feather, and groove! This class is inspired by the iconic television show, Soul Train, and all about exploring movement, music, creativity, and self-expression. We will improvise with movement, connect our bodies to music, and build confidence as we discover our own unique ways to move.
With playful dance activities, musical exploration, and creative movement challenges, students will learn to trust themselves, make bold choices, and celebrate the joy of dancing together. Each class will honor the spirit of Soul Train while encouraging students to bring their own personality and imagination to the dance floor.
Come move, create, and have fun as we celebrate love, peace, soul, and SMARTS!
Wednesdays @ 5:00-5:45pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Join the Waitlist for SMARTS Peace, Love and SMARTS Soul Train(opens in new tab)
SMARTS Theater Classes
Days of SMARTS Lives, Grades 4-12 (Maja Kibler)
A secret → a misunderstanding → a confrontation → a shocking discovery → an emotional reaction → an even bigger problem → CLIFFHANGER!
Welcome to a world where every secret has consequences, every friendship can become a rivalry, and every episode ends with a shocking question.
This class is all about learning the art of soap opera storytelling and melodrama. Create larger-than-life characters, dramatic relationships, outrageous secrets, unexpected betrayals, sensational events, and jaw-dropping twists—all designed to keep the drama going!
We will develop skills in narrative tension, exaggerated emotions, character development, dialogue, conflict, and storytelling while writing and performing scenes that make audiences laugh, gasp, cheer, and shout, “No way!” “Oh, my!” and “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!”
Because in the Days of SMARTS Lives, the drama never ends!
Saturdays @ 12:00-1:00pm
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
SMARTS Creative Writing Classes
Speak Up! Speak Out! (Persuasive Speaking & Advocacy), Grades 4-12 (Dominic Adams)
Every great idea begins with a voice. In this class, students will discover how words can inform, inspire, and create positive change. Through activities, discussion, writing, and public speaking, students will learn how to communicate their ideas with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
We will explore the building blocks of persuasive speaking by learning how to organize ideas, support opinions with facts and examples, and present our thoughts in a clear and engaging way.
We will examine speeches from history and today to discover the techniques great speakers used to connect with their audiences.
Together, we'll discuss age-appropriate topics that matter to students and our communities, such as protecting the environment, kindness and inclusion, school issues, fairness, community service, and other current events. Students will choose a topic they care about, conduct research, develop a persuasive argument, and write and deliver an original speech.
By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their writing, research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills while building confidence in expressing their ideas. Whether you dream of becoming a leader, standing up for a cause, or simply speaking with greater confidence, this class will help you speak up and stand up!
Tuesdays @ 4:00-4:45pm
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Nov 3, 10
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
SMARTS Your Journal, Your Way, Grades 4-12 (Nancy Christie)
What happens when you give yourself permission to write in different ways? In this 9-week class, students will experiment with a variety of writing forms and discover new ways to express their ideas, experiences, questions, and imagination.
Each class will feature a different writing experience, giving students the opportunity to explore personal journaling, creative writing, poetry, storytelling, lists, observations, prompts, and other forms of written expression. Students will keep daily entries throughout the course, building a consistent writing practice while discovering which styles and approaches feel most natural and meaningful to them.
The goal is not perfect writing—it is practice, experimentation, and finding your voice. Students will build confidence, creativity, and comfort with writing while creating a personal collection of work that reflects their unique perspectives.
Come write, experiment, take chances, and make the page your own!
Wednesdays @ 6:00-6:50pm
Sept 16, 23, 30
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Nov 4, 11
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
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 Messy Little Masterpieces, Ages 18 mos.–5yrs and Adult (Sarah Fenton)
Get ready to paint, explore, and create! This class is all about experimenting with colors, shapes, lines, textures, value and other elements of design.
Wear play clothes and come prepared to get a little messy as we experiment with brushes, sponges, fingers, and a variety of painting tools and objects. Each class introduces a new creative adventure—from animals and colorful creatures to self-portraits, nature, and so much more!
Saturdays @ 11:00-11:45am
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Enroll in Early SMARTS Messy Little Masterpieces(opens in new tab)
Early SMARTS Squish, Shape & Create, Ages 18 mos.–5yrs and Adult (Sarah Fenton)
Squish, shape, and create! This hands-on creative class invites little ones and their grown-ups to explore the endless possibilities of modeling clay. We’ll experiment with shapes, colors, textures, and forms as we build cars, planes, trains, animals, and anything else our imaginations can dream up.
Along the way, we’ll strengthen fine-motor skills, spark creativity, and build confidence—all while getting a little messy, having lots of fun, and creating something amazing!
Saturdays @ 12:00-12:45pm
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
Early SMARTS Singing it Our Way! Ages 18mos-5yrs & Adult (TBA)
Sing it, stomp it, shake it, make it your own!
Get ready for a playful musical adventure. We will explore rhythm, movement, sound, and song. We will start with familiar songs and then mix things up—changing words, adding silly sounds, creating new rhythms, and inventing our very own SMARTS songs.
We will clap, stomp, wiggle, sing, explore a few simple instruments as giggle through crating an old song into something completely new.
Saturdays @ 12:30-1:00pm
Sept 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Nov 7, 14
SMARTS Family Dinner | November 18
SMARTS Specialty Workshop
SMARTS Seed to Salad Workshop, PK-12 & All family members
***All family members must be registered to attend***
Together, SMARTS and Thrive Mahoning Valley will help your family to understand the importance of local food production, see it differently, taste something new, make something beautiful, and learn how to share it with the people you love.
Slow down and take it all in. Smell the fresh-baked bread. See the vibrant colors of ripe tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Discover handmade goods and locally inspired flavors. Learn about healthy foods and explore new ingredients—and then turn that inspiration into something special.
4 Sessions and 4 Different Experiences! Bringing food and art together in a fun workshop designed to engage all of your senses.
Each session will invite you to explore food in a different way through art, creativity, tasting, understanding, and designing or entertaining. Create artwork inspired by the colors and shapes of fresh produce, experiment with a new recipe, learn about ingredients and healthy choices, or discover the incredible bounty of locally grown food that is available in our community and its importance to your health, well-being, and your grocery bill. All while making art!
In this workshop you will Taste it. See it. Learn about it. Make it. Share it, and Enjoy it as a family!
Thursdays @ 4:00- 5:00pm (Workshop Oct 15 - Nov 5)
***Detailed workshop breakdown***
October 15@ SMARTS – Meet with Thrive Market Local Farmer/s
October 22@ Thrive Market Mahoning Valley (Youngstown Public Library)
October 29@ SMARTS – Food Based Visual Art Class
November 5@ SMARTS – Food Styling Class
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.