Young artists create holiday cards and music during the SMARTS program's annual open house at YSU

By KANTELE FRANKO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
O SOME PEOPLE, A2-foot purple snowman sculpture with a slightly ominous look mightnot make the ideal Christmas decoration.
But sitting off to the side at a holiday party for a local art group, the plump plum figure looked appropriately festive.
Art club students from Campbell Memorial High School created the papier-m & acirc;ch & eacute; sculpture, "Nuclear Winter," and displayed it Tuesday at the third annual Holiday Open House for SMARTS, or Students Motivated by the Arts.
SMARTS, a project of Youngstown State University's College of Education and College of Fine and Performing Arts, helps pupils learn the discipline and focus involved in creating art. The program, primarily funded through YSU and local grants, hosts free fine and performing arts events for area pupils.
The holiday party in the SMARTS Center on West Federal Street gave instructors an opportunity to showcase SMARTS programs and the facility for community members and groups of pupils from several area schools, director Becky Keck said.
Pupils who showed up throughout the day could make holiday cards, participate in an African drum circle and join Miss Ohio 2004, Amanda Beagle, in a round of Christmas carols.
Art appreciation
Russ Bailey, Campbell's art club adviser, said he appreciates the event because students get away from class for a few hours and have an opportunity to get some recognition for their artwork.
Even the simple holiday card-making brought out the competitive and creative nature of some students, such as Campbell senior DeAnna Black.
Black and several friends worked to the last minute on their glue- and glitter-covered cards, asking Bailey to judge which was best. Despite the competition, Black said she and other art club members enjoy the field trip as a way to artistically celebrate the holidays.
For other students, the experience was less competitive. "It's just fun when you get into it," said Ashley Rushton, a freshman at Youngstown Early College, who spent her afternoon study period making cards with friends at the party.
Students also brought handmade Christmas ornaments and other decorations to enter in a decorating contest. CMHS students' ornaments and sculpture tied with creative gift boxes designed by Volney Rogers Junior High School pupils for the top prize: a pizza party and guest visit from a SMARTS instructor. Notre Dame School in Warren and Youngstown Early College received gift baskets of art supplies for winning second and third place, respectively.