SMARTS
The SMARTS Program (Shiawassee Mobile ARTS for Seniors) provides hands-on experience in artistic creation to dozens of Shiawassee County seniors each month. This program allows them to express themselves, includes them in the community, and improves their quality of life. By way of professional artists/instructors, this program also extends opportunities for the kinds of creative experiences that can help seniors grow, further their well-being, and enrich their lives. This Program is possible due to the generous support of the Shiawassee Council on Aging and the Cook Family Foundation.
For more information about the SMARTS Program and schedule of classes call the Shiawassee Arts Center (989) 723-8354.
All classes are $4 for seniors and $6 for family or friends under age 60 who are accompanying a senior.
*Seniors can receive one free class during their birthday month!*
Funding for the SMARTS Program generously provided by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and The Curwood Festival.
Multi-Media Classes
Shiawassee Arts Center: Two Mondays per Month, 10-11:30am & 1 pm – 2:30 pm | RSVP: (989) 723-8354
Owosso Senior Center: Two Tuesdays per Month, 10 am – 11:30 am | RSVP: (989) 723-8875
Morrice Senior Center: Two Wednesdays per Month, 12:30 – 2 pm | RSVP: (517) 625-4270
Durand Senior Center: Two Mondays per Month, 10 – 11:30 am | RSVP: (989) 288-4122
Schedule listed below:
Sign Up for a Class
JULY
- July 13 – Statue of Liberty – Work on a drawing of the Statue of Liberty and learn how to layer and blend with oil pastels. Philip Ruehle, Artist/Instructor
- July 27 – Hummingbird Watercolor – Paint the sweetest little bird that has ultraviolet vision, which enables them to see more colors than humans! It helps them spot flowers. Lisabeth Curnow, Artist/Instructor
- July 13 – Clay Face Pot – Decorate a clay pot with a neck shaped base that is perfect for creating a zen face or a sassy lady with sunglasses, earrings, scarf and faux greenery for the hair. (included) Finished size is 7”x8”. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- July 20 – Mosaic Flower Cone – Part 1 – Add a splash of color to your garden by covering a 7” styrofoam cone with thin set adhesive and pressing in ceramic tiles or glass shapes. Part 2 – August 3 – grout your decoration and a sturdy metal stand is included. You must attend both sessions to finish. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
Owosso Senior Center
- July 7 – Stars, Stripes & Gnomes! – Celebrate July & the 250th with some red, white & blue acrylic paint on an 8 x 10 wrap around canvas. Join us for a patriotic painting class! Lilly Evans, Artist/instructor
- July 21 – More Zentangle Animals – This was such a hit, so join us for additional Zentangle experience using permanent marker & watercolor. Lori Ann Dickerman, Artist/Instructor
101 W Mason Street
- July 8 – Water Lily in Mixed Media! – Celebrate a July flower of the month, experimenting with mixed media. Mixed media combines two or more distinct materials or mediums, like oil pastel with collage papers. Linda Justice, Artist/Instructor
- July 22 – The Golden Hour – Create a watercolor beach sunset landscape. Linda Justice, Artist/Instructor
August
Mondays
Shiawassee Arts Center
206 Curwood Castle Drive
10am – 11:30am & 1pm – 2:30pm* unless otherwise noted
RSVP (989) 723-8875
- August 10 – Gladiolus Flower – Celebrate the month of August with a drawing of the vibrant and colorful gladiolus flower. We will focus on how to layer and blend with erasable color pencils. Philip Ruehle, Artist/Instructor
- August 24 – Play in Clay – Project TBA – Marie Gougeon, Artist/Instructor. (Glazing will take place at the Monday, September 28, Smarts class)
Mondays
Durand Senior Center
8618 E Lansing Rd
10am – 11:30am
RSVP (989) 288-4122
- August 3 – Mosaic Flower Cone Part 2 – Grout your mosaic Flower Cone from the July 20th class. A sturdy metal stand is included. Bring a box to carry home safely! Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- August 17 – Metal Steamer Garden Flower – Repurpose a metal veggie steamer into a colorful flower for your yard. Paint the petals using outdoor acrylic paint and attach aluminum petals to a 3 ft.tall wooden stem. Sturdy and pretty! Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
Tuesdays
Owosso Senior Center
300 N Washington Street
10am-11:30am
RSVP (989) 723-8875
- August 4 – Glass Garden Totem – Here is a glassy/classy addition to your garden decor. Stack a mix of clear cut glass and blue & white ceramics. It can be short or tall. Use waterproof silicone glue to secure the pieces. (Please bring a thick towel for the table to prevent breakage if you happen to drop a piece of glass.) Totems will need to be left to dry for 2 days. Then please remember to pick it up as soon as possible. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- August 18 – Mixed Media Sunflower – Brighten your day with a cheerful sunflower. Learn how to combine watercolor wash, acrylic and sharpie or Micron pen techniques to create a unique sunflower painting. Lilly Evans, Artist/Instructor
Wednesdays
Morrice Senior Center
101 W Mason Street
12:30pm – 2pm
RSVP – (517) 625-4270
- August 12 – Tropical Fish in Watercolor – Using watercolor paints and ink, create a tropical fish painting in homage to summer. Linda Justice, Artist/Instructor
- August 26 – Acrylic Flower Garden – Using an unconventional tool, create flower prints with acrylic paints. Linda Justice, Artist/Instructor
SEPTEMBER SAVE THE DATES
Owosso Senior Center (Tues) September 8 & 22
Shiawassee Arts Center (Mon) September 14 & 28
Morrice Senior Center (Wed) September 9 & 23
Durand Senior Center (Mon) September 14 & 21
Seniors can receive one Free Class during their birthday month!
Pre-registration at the appropriate location is required
SMARTS Classes – $4 for Shiawassee County Seniors/$6 for those not aged 60 or from out of county.
Learn more about our programs
We are only a call or email away with answers.
206 Curwood Castle Drive
Owosso, MI 48867
989-723-8354
sac@shiawasseearts.org
HOURS
Mon-Fri | 10-5 pm
Sat | 12-3 pm
Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization
Celebrating 54th Anniversary in 2026
Proudly Supported By:
