SMART Art began as the Sewing Circle.

While constant improvement is the norm for all of our programming, SMART Art, formerly our “Sewing Circle,” may have evolved the most in the least amount of time. From 2003 through the present, it has transitioned from a basic sewing, quilting and support group to a multidisciplinary arts program that includes elements of art history and active appreciation.

A Peace Tile made by a SMART participant.

After seeing the positive response to 2007’s “Peace Tile Workshop,” a challenging project led by internationally renowned artist Teresita Fernandez, SMART’s board and program directors decided to take this program to an even higher level, providing students with a greater academic challenge.

Instruction at SMART Art.

The 2008 edition of SMART Art offers a disciplined curriculum that incorporates art appreciation, art history and explorations of various mediums as well as meditative techniques that promote creative and emotional growth. Though the curriculum and standards have changed, the environment remains unconditionally supportive and the women have responded enthusiastically to the new challenges.

SMART Art participants.

The title change from “Sewing Circle” to “SMART Art” reflects our determination to raise the bar for all the women attending SMART University--mature women ready to tap into their creativity and gain a greater appreciation of the world. Curriculum now focuses both on creating art work through sketching with pastels and charcoal as well as working with different mediums, including sculpting with clay.

SMART Artist at work.

It also incorporates academic study that gives students an overview of art history and exposes them to the works of great artists, through books and slides, but also through field trips to museums and galleries, led by instructor Elzbieta Orleans.

“If you’re intimidated by something, you’re probably not going to do it. For many of our women, a SMART Art field trip may be their first trip to a museum or gallery,” says Founding Director Susan Rodriguez. “SMART Art offers the education and creates a comfort level so that our women know they belong at venues like the Metropolitan Museum.”

SMART Artist shows her work.

Rodriguez adds that SMART Art is creating “a more comprehensive art appreciation experience, closer to what you’d find in a university, which is the goal for all of our programming.”