SmartARTS

03/31/2026

The process is just as—if not more—important than the final product. Teachers and our artists pour so much into our students, supporting them as they explore, take risks, and bring their ideas to life.

This is just a tiny glimpse of the work being done as a multi-part project at Greenville Middle Academy—and you can already see the momentum building. Stay tuned for the final reveal. 🎨

03/26/2026

Before the paint hits the wall or prints are pulled, pencil hits paper.

This week, 7th and 8th grade students are sketching, planning, and designing as they prepare to bring a collaborative mural to life and explore the printmaking process.

This SmartARTS unit is already taking shape thanks to , , and !

02/13/2026

Grateful to represent SmartARTS and stand alongside arts leaders across South Carolina. Advocacy for the arts and arts integration shapes stronger students, stronger communities, and a stronger future.

02/07/2026

From poetry lessons to the Poetry Slam stage 🎤

Teaching Artist Dove Dupree and Mr. Colon’s 7th graders at Ralph Chandler Middle School brought the words—and the confidence.

👏 Congrats to all our semifinalists and finalists!

This residency was provided at no cost to the school thanks to the
TD Center for
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02/05/2026

🙌 science + art = amazing learning opportunities

02/04/2026

🎨 Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 SmartARTS program! 🎨

Calling all Greenville County Schools teachers—this is your opportunity to collaborate with a professional teaching artist and bring meaningful, hands-on arts integration into your classroom at no cost to your school.

Selected educators will attend the SmartARTS Education Institute this July, gaining specialized training in arts integration and earning renewal points. Teachers who complete the institute are pre-qualified for an arts integration residency grant during the 2026–2027 school year.

SmartARTS is proud to partner with Greenville County Schools to support creative, standards-based learning experiences that enrich curriculum and engage students in powerful ways.

✨ Apply today and start planning for an inspired school year!
🔗 https://smartartsgvl.blogspot.com/p/2.html

01/30/2026

We’re excited to share this news with the SmartARTS community!

We’re thrilled to welcome Kristin LaRoy as our new Director of Arts Education. An accomplished artist and educator, Kristin brings a deep commitment to creative learning, community engagement, and expanding access to the arts. We’re excited for the vision, energy, and expertise she brings to MAC and the SmartARTS program.
At the same time, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kimberly Gibbs, who is stepping down from the role after years of dedication and impact. Kimberly’s leadership has helped grow and strengthen our signature arts education program, and we are incredibly thankful for her passion, care, and service to our community.
Please join us in welcoming Kristin and thanking Kimberly for all she’s given to Greenville's creative community!
SmartARTS GVLtoday Kimberly J. Simms, Poet and Author Kristin Elliott LaRoy Greenville360 TOWN Magazine Greenville Journal Greenville County Schools UpstateBizSC

01/30/2026

✨ SmartARTS in Action | Northwest Middle School ✨

During a 6-day SmartARTS Fiber Arts residency at Northwest Middle School, students in a SPED classroom with diverse learning needs explored wet felting, needle felting, and stitching. Through touch, texture, and hands-on process, students transformed wool fibers into felt and 16 small triangles into a Bowtie Quilt Square, each reflecting personal choice and voice.

Teaching artist Cecilia Ho shared:
“I’m glad this Felting Fiber Arts Integration Unit can reach everyone—there are always ways to make things work.”

Together, the finished quilt squares formed a vibrant classroom quilt—showing how arts integration can meet learners where they are 💛

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This residency was provided at no cost to the school thanks to the SmartARTS TD Center for
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01/14/2026

12/02/2025

SmartARTS was thrilled to join Simple Civics Greenville for a community discussion about arts integration and the SmartARTS program.

Learn about the SmartARTS program, a model for nonprofit school partnerships. Discover how arts integration in schools unlocks student confidence and boosts achievement.

10/22/2025