Tina Cherry

"Art Smarts" is an after-school program developed by Cherry to provide lower-income students exposure to the arts. According to Cherry, arts programs are becoming extinct in many schools because of budget cuts. "Art Smarts" provides students at Susan Moore Elementary School exposure to multiple musical genres and the basics of a theatrical production including practice and performance. To provide a well-rounded program, Cherry has asked outside art agencies to contribute their expertise and/or provide lessons. Cherry is a vocal performer, former arts teacher, former band member and is a contributor to the Alabama State Course of Study for the Arts. She is also a current advisor for the Alabama Black Belt Arts Initiative. Cherry resides in Altoona.