Beginning its 13th year, smARTS has returned the arts to local students. What started as a small project with only classes for four grades, now serves the entire Idyllwild School — from kindergarten through eighth grade. Nearly every Friday, teachers find time to accommodate the arts in the school’s curriculum. But smARTs is a PTA-sponsored activity that depends entirely on grants and donations. This is how the community has provided an art program to the children as the school district has had to reduce or cut funding for these subjects.

 

Artist Mallory Cremin describes her art project to the children in Barbara Longbrook’s class.
Artist Mallory Cremin describes her art project to the children in Barbara Longbrook’s class.

 

SmARTs Volunteer Susan Swanson setting up supplies. Photo by Cheryl Basye
SmARTs Volunteer Susan Swanson setting up supplies.
Photo by Cheryl Basye
SmARTS volunteer and PTA President Wendy Read helps ready the supplies for the children for the classroom project on Friday, Sept. 5. Photo by Cheryl Basye
SmARTS volunteer and PTA President Wendy Read helps ready the supplies for the children for the classroom project on Friday, Sept. 5.
Photo by Cheryl Basye
Artist Mallory Cremin (left) with Parent Teacher Association President Wendy Read (right) setting up supplies for Friday’s smARTS class. Photo by Cheryl Basye
Artist Mallory Cremin (left) with Parent Teacher Association President Wendy Read (right) setting up supplies for Friday’s smARTS class.
Photo by Cheryl Basye