Smart Art Bites offers digital bite-sized arts lessons for families and teachers to incorporate the arts into everyday learning. Each episode focuses on a different art form taught by professional artists.
Kids can learn and practice each bite-sized arts skill again and again, away from the screen. Each episode comes with a list of books (find them at the Portage Lake District Library or other local libraries) to help young learners dive deeper into each topic.
Smart Art Bites: Season 2
Let's get CRAFTY with Tiffany. (S2E1)
Join Tiffany Lange, St. Paul visual artist, in learning how to create a quilting block pattern with rubbing designs.
Tiffany Lange, visual artist working out of St. Paul, MN, provides...Learn More
Let's get into COSTUME with Mary. (S2E2)
This Smart Art Bites episode teaches the theater skill of a “quick change.” This is when actors need to change costumes quickly between scenes. Join Mary and Sophie as they teach you this fun skill!
Let's sing and DANCE with Cecilia. (S2E3)
Join dancer/musician Cecilia Ortega from Miami Beach, FL as she teaches a dance step to son jarocho music from her native Veracruz, Mexico.
Let's make a BEAT with Teao and Ras (S2E4)
Performing artists Teao Sense and Ras K'dee (Audiopharmacy) teach beatboxing basics and how to make your own percussive shaker at home.
Let's Learn the POSITIONS with the Minnesota Ballet (S2E5)
Join the Minnesota Ballet and learn the fundamental first 5 positions of ballet, as well as a few combinations.
Smart Art Bites: Season 1
Let's go BOOM with L.A. (S1E1)
Arthur "L.A." Buckner shares a rhythm and helps you see the many ways that you can perform that rhythm. L.A. is a Minneapolis-based performer and educator. Whether teaching or performing...Learn More
Let's draw CARTOONS with Terri. (S1E2)
Artist Terri Frew teaches how to draw a cartoon dog. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Terri's favorite ways to express are through drawing and embroidery.
Let's make some MUSIC with Jana. (S1E3)
In today’s smART Art Bites episode, Jana will teach the song, Great Big Stars, followed by the sign language for the song. The song is traditionally in the lullaby style, and Jana will...Learn More
Let's make some PUPPETS with Trish. (S1E5)
In this episode, Trish Helsel makes puppetry fun by bringing recycling to life! Make your own puppets from recycling/found objects.
Trish Helsel is an Associate Professor of Theatre at...Learn More
Let's sing in SPANISH with Lucia. (S1E6)
In this smART Art Bites episode, Lucia will teach Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in Spanish, drawing cultural connections with a folk song in common for her native Peru and America. Lucia will...Learn More