Our project that continues to evolve, our “Smart Art” program. Prior to the Pandemic, we were increasing the number of class rooms served, primarily in underserved schools; additionally, an emphasis on avoiding violence and building self-esteem, have been additional focuses of this program. Cliff Harstad and Vicky Dorgan have been instrumental in the evolution of this project over the years. In recent years, the Smart Art Museum has been a crucial partner in this project, and several other Rotary clubs have also joined in this project.

 Now the challenge has been in locating classrooms and schools that have been identified as in need of additional services. We hope to restart having students come through this program (initial Smart Art museum visit, then eight sessions with a teaching artist, then a follow-up visit to the same museum). It is amazing to watch, and the children relate to the art in the museum in a significantly more involved way - the second visit as compared to the first visit.

In the future, the club is considering a video version of this project, that be conjuncture with a "lay" instructor; a virtual museum would shown to the students - at least - before and after - the 8 live/video sessions.