Have you had the opportunity to take your child to a SMARTS class? SMARTS, or Students Motivated through the Arts is a community based art school located in downtown Youngstown! What makes these classes even more amazing? All classes for Pre-K through grade 12 students are free and open to the public! All you need to do is fill out an application to become a SMARTS student!
SMARTS Community Art School offers a variety of different fine arts education, in schools and out of schools, for visual arts, music, dance, theater, and creative writing. My daughter, Ellis, and I recently had the opportunity to take the two day class, 'Imagination Station Art' for ages 18 to 36 months. The class was taught by DeAudra Egerson, who was very friendly, welcoming and involved with the students. Upon entering the class each student was given a card board hat and a 'microphone' (a paper towel roll). Ellis immediately took her microphone and started singing away!
DeAudra had multiple cardboard crafts already set up for the students to play in/with. From a car, to a robot, to a tower and more! On the first day, DeAudra read a book about how you can transform recycled cardboard and paper into imaginative fun, then the class was off to make crafts of their own! Provided was a box of different recycled materials and tape. While Ellis had more fun playing in the already made structures, it gave us a craft to work on at home.
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On the second day, the students were welcomed again with a box full of different items to make a 'friend' from recycled materials. Ellis stuck around long enough to play with some tape and sort through the items but really enjoyed the already made cardboard car and robot. DeAudra helped Ellis make a 'cat hat' that she still puts on and walks around the house meowing, even a couple weeks later!
Ellis really loved her first SMARTS class! I loved how laid back, educational and fun the class was for my daughter. DeAudra made sure every student was involved and included. She really encouraged the students to think outside the (cardboard) box to find creativity in unusual places! The small class size really helped make sure that each student got individualized attention. As a parent, I really appreciated SMARTS sign in/ sign out protocol as soon as you walk in the door. I am really looking forward to taking Ellis to more classes in the future!
To learn more about SMARTS and their program visit their website at https://smartsartschool.org/. Ready to enroll your child? Fill out an application here. Fall classes will be announced August 26th.
