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!*
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
May
- *May 5 – Glazing Poppies – Putting the finishing on the fired clay Poppies created in the April 14th SMARTS class. Poppies will be fired a second time. This class also includes a 3:00-4:30pm time slot. Marie Gougeon, Artist/Instructor
- May 19 – Charge into May! – The bull is the animal for the month of May. Create a drawing of this bovine with erasable colored pencils on brown paper. Philip Ruehle, Artist/Instructor
- May 12 – Painted Clay Pot – Transform Ordinary clay pots into unique, personalized decor, adding charm and personality to both indoor or an outdoor 5″ clay pot. A fun way to add color to your patio or window sill. Ideas available at class or bring your own picture for inspiration. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- May 19 – Faux Framed Agate – Using marbled looking wall paper and your choice of black or white hexagonal frame. For some added bling, cold glue will be used to attach colorful glass chips. Finished size 8″. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- May 13 – Celebrate National Apple Day! – What’s more American than painting a picture of a slice of our favorite apple pie before eating it!? Using Watercolors! Kathryn Gehrs-Pahl, Artist/Instructor
- May 27 – Poppies in Oil Pastel – Create a beautiful field of poppies with brightly colored oil pastels on black toned paper. You’ll draw and blend your way to a beautiful display piece! Lilly Evans, Artist/Instructor
- May 14 – Tulips in Watercolor – May is for Tulips! Painting from still life. Linda Van Cise, Artist/Instructor (subbing for Linda Justice)
- May 28 – Painting Unfinished Bird Houses – Using acrylic paints to design your feathered friend’s new abode! A variety of house designs to choose from. These are really more appropriate for an indoor decoration or under a patio. Linda Van Cise, Artist/Instructor (subbing for Linda Justice)
June
- June 9 – Pets & Animals in Chalky Pastel – Plan on this class to be under the port cochere if weather permits. Bring a good reference photo of your pet or of an animal that you would like to create in full color with chalk like pastels. Natalie Park, Artist/Instructor
- June 30 – Honeysuckle is the flower of the month. Create a drawing of this colorful and uniquely shaped plant with erasable color pencils. Philip Ruehle, Artist/Instructor
- June 2 – Turtle Topiary – Craft an adorable turtle by hot gluing faux succulents to an upside down bowl. Perfect porch decor for this summer! Dorothy Neaton, Artist/instructor
- June 16 – Vintage Inspired Shell Box – When sailors of old went to sea, they remembered their sweethearts by crafting a box with intricate designs using seashells they found on their travels. Decorate your own trinket box with a photo of a Victorian lady. Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- June 3 – Curwood Castle – Let’s kick off the Curwood Festival with mini 4 x 4” paintings of Curwood Castle in Acrylic. Includes a little easel for display. Step by step instructions. Experiment painting with a palette knife. Lilly Evans, Artist/instructor
- June 17 – Mini Test Tube Planters – to hang in your window. Wrap a 3 ½” plastic tube with colorful wire and beads. Can use a root of a plant butting or pop a faux plant sprig inside. Make two. Finished length is 10.” Dorothy Neaton, Artist/Instructor
- June 11 – Lilacs in Watercolor – These sweetly-scented flowering shrubs typically bloom between mid May and mid June in Michigan. Linda Van Cise, Artist/Instructor (subbing for Linda Justice)
- June 25 – Painted Terra Cotta Pots – Transform ordinary clay pots into unique and personalized decor, adding charm and personality to both indoor or an outdoor 5” clay pot. A fun way to add color to your patio or window sill. Ideas available at class or bring your own picture for inspiration. Linda Van Cise, Artist/Instructor (subbing for Linda Justice)
JULY SAVE THE DATES
Owosso Senior Center (Tues) July 8. & 22
Shiawassee Arts Center (Mon) July 14 & 28
Morrice Senior Center (Wed) July 9 & 23
Durand Senior Center (Mon) July 7 & 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 age 60 or 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/Sun | 12-3 pm
Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization
Celebrating 53rd Anniversary in 2025
Proudly Supported By:
