What is Art Walk?
Art Walk is on Thursday, March, 5th 2026 @ 6:00–8:00pm in the school gym!
Art Walk is Explore Art’s annual student art exhibition that showcases student’s work from every classroom, recognizes our Explore Art volunteers, and raises funds to support the Explore Art program. This is one of the few PTSA events that represents the entire student body and every effort is made to have a display that includes artwork from every student at Smith.
Why is Art Walk a Fundraiser?
Explore Art is completely funded by the PTSA. However, the funds that are raised at this event are used to supplement the Explore Art budget and will be used specifically to purchase Explore Art materials and supplies. The more funds raised, the more opportunities there are to enhance the program!
How Are Funds Raised?
Student artwork is displayed in the gymnasium, gallery-style. Admission for the event is free; however, a $3 donation is suggested, but not required. With a donation, parents receive a “SOLD” sticker that they can attach to their own child’s artwork as a simple acknowledgement. The “SOLD” sticker means a lot to the kids. All the artwork, including all “purchased” pieces, will remain at the event and returned to the original artist after Art Walk.
The Explore Art curriculum is based on the elements of art; and, the Art Walk project ideas are guided by the elements listed for each class on the Art Project Rotation Calendar. We follow the art elements listed for January for the Art Walk projects so that duplicate art pieces are not displayed at the event. Should a student miss his/her Art Walk lesson, a make up lesson is scheduled.
Projects are displayed on art racks, tables and wall space around the gym. The value of a simple project with a good lesson is recognized and appreciated, and complimented by a well thought of display. The class display will not distract the viewer from the students’ artwork. The goal of the display is to present the class artwork in a way so that every piece can be appreciated both individually and as a whole.
Who Makes Art Walk Possible?
Our Explore Art parent volunteers! They are busy planning, organizing and teaching Explore Art lessons in our classrooms throughout the school year! They organize an art project specifically for Art Walk that showcases the creativity and artistic talent of the students in their classrooms. Parent volunteers design and set up their art displays on the day of Art Walk and will return the art projects to the students the next day.
How Can I Volunteer To Help?
There are many volunteer opportunities for parents to be involved. Check out the sign up here and pick a time slot that works for you!
If you have Middle or High school students who need volunteer hours and would like to help, please use this link to sign them up to volunteer for Art Walk.
What Else Is Happening At Art Walk This Year?
The main focus of Art Walk is always going to be showcasing the class projects in the best way possible. It is our topmost priority to present each and every student’s work at the exhibition. All of the other attractions listed below build around this main showstopper.
Student Photography Contest:
We are bringing back our Student Photography Contest! Each student can submit a photograph for entry based on the theme of their grade level group listed below. Attendees at Art Walk will vote for their favorite photograph from each grade level group; the votes will be counted the next day and the photographs that receive the most votes from each grade level group will be declared the winners. The winners will be announced at school, receive a prize and have their winning photograph displayed at school and advertised in the PTSA newsletter.
Themes by Grade Level Groups:
- Kindergarten – Grade 1: “Colors” That I Feel
- Grade 2 – 3: “Patterns” Around Me
- Grade 4 – 5: “Texture” I Can Feel
Click here for guidelines and registration details.
Recycled Art Contest:
We are also bringing back our Recycled Art Contest where Smith staff and volunteers are invited to submit an art project that is made with recycled materials. Attendees at Art Walk will vote for their favorite art project; the votes will be counted the next day and the art project that receives the most votes will be declared the winner. The winner will be announced at school, receive a prize and have their winning art project displayed at school and advertised in the PTSA newsletter.
Click here for guidelines and registration details.
Family Art Display:
This year we are excited to announce a NEW EVENT called the Family Art Display where Smith families (both students and adults) are invited to create an art project and display it at the Art Walk. The entry can be anything (i.e. painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, craft, sewing project, needlepoint, etc.) as long as the project is made by a member of the family. This is not a contest.
Click here for guidelines and registration details.
And more…
We will have craft stations to help create a collaborative art project at the event, a photo booth, an Explore Art project slide show, a scavenger hunt and our annual Art Parade starting at 7pm where members of Smith staff, PTSA board members and Explore Art volunteers recreate famous artworks produced by artists in history.
The “Nacho Rio” food truck will be parked on-site and serving Mexican food from 6-8pm!
Join Us!
We invite you to a night of celebrating the creativity of our Smith students!
