Students from five area elementary schools will participate in Ohio Northern University’s SMArts (Saturday Morning Art) enrichment program, learning art and more in the Wilson Art Center on Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Third and fourth grade students from Ada, Bath, Bluffton, Hardin Northern and Perry schools will attend the enrichment programs designed for students interested in the visual arts and creative experience. The SMArts program offers student engagement in a variety of media and activities, including creating handmade paper, photography, drawing and painting.

The program this year will focus on a variety of media as children combine their creative and problem-solving skills as artists. Libbi Pennington, mosaic and acrylic artist, will be on hand to provide her expert insight and creativity for the children. Pennington creates extraordinary paintings and mosaics for many purposes, not just home decoration.

Through residency programs, Pennington helps students understand reusing found items and teamwork by creating mosaics. She also loves to add bursts of color and creativity to corporate workspaces and small businesses. Some of her clients include Ohio Northern University, Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Lima, Jalapeños Mexican Grill, Port Royal Cigars of Findlay, Lima City Schools, and Pears Avenue.

The Art Enrichment Program is coordinated by Linda Lehman, Ohio Northern’s art education instructor. Eight teacher candidates under the supervision of Lehman will be involved in teaching and assisting students. This program is sponsored in part by a National Education Association grant and supported by Ohio Northern University’s Center for Teacher Education.