who we are
The Community School of the Arts serves the Fort Smith Community and surrounding region by providing high-quality instruction in music, theatre, dance, and visual art. Children, youth, and even adults can participate in after-school, evening, and weekend classes and lessons.
Artistic excellence is at the core of everything we do. We offer programs and activities that meet the needs and interests of all students. Our programming is provided by top artists and professionals who love to share the passion of their craft.
In addition to education, we host performances, productions, and exhibits. We want all students to experience the thrill of presenting their craft to others. Family-friendly and family-focused entertainment is central to all that we do at CSA. Get ready for a great line-up of shows. CSA is your arts connection!
Our Purpose
The mission of CSA is to educate, inspire, and empower students for service and leadership through artistic excellence.
Mission
Why is CSA so important?
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Improves academic performance and lowers dropout rates
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Develops creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills
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Builds self-esteem
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Promotes discipline through artistic excellence
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Builds social skills and teamwork
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Offers opportunities for all students
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Enhances quality of place through exceptional performances and exhibits
The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts is America’s service association for community arts education organizations that provide access to high-quality sequential instruction so that all people may participate in the arts according to their interests and abilities. In concert with this dynamic network, the guild researches and promotes best practices, provides opportunities for professional development and dialogue, advocates for broad access, and makes grants to the field.
CSA is a proud member of the following organizations:
Business Info
Address.
1101 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Email.
info@csafortsmith.org
Telephone.
(479) 434-2020
Office Hours
Mon - Fri
9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun
CLOSED
Holidays
*CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE FOR SOME HOLIDAYS, CHECK GOOGLE AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES*
Business and Contact Information
Administrative Team
Meet Our Team
Our talented team is comprised of dedicated professionals with a passion for making Community School of the Arts a place that everyone wants to be a part of.
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Rosilee Russell
Rosilee Russell, classical pianist, is the Founder/Executive Director of Community School of the Arts and was previously the Executive Director of the Academy of the Arts at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. She came to UAFS in 1990 after teaching in Kansas City to serve as Director of Keyboard Activities/Artist-in-Residence for the Department of Music. Russell holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Baylor University, a Master of Music degree and also a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. While at Baylor, she was the recipient of the Van Cliburn Piano Scholarship and the Alpha Chi National Music Scholarship for graduate study. At UMKC she was awarded a graduate piano teaching assistantship. Russell’s principal teachers include internationally known pianists Richard Cass, Susan Starr, and Lilian Kallir. She has also collaborated with jazz pianist Tony Caramia, and consulted with pianist and leading novelty authority Alex Hassan.
As a solo artist, Russell has performed extensively throughout Arkansas as a member of the Arts on Tour Program, sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, and has played nationally as a touring member for the Mid-America Arts Alliance. She has appeared as recitalist at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, guest pianist at the White House, and was nominated for a performance at the Kennedy Center.
Dr. Russell has been a member of the Music Teachers’ National Association, as well as the Arkansas Chapter of MTNA. She has taught piano and music theory for over 25 years and been active as an adjudicator and lecturer throughout the United States. She recorded a CD to accompany a music theory text book for Oxford University Press, and has also been involved in writing a college-level group piano textbook. Rosilee can be heard on her CD Live at Eastman recorded in the famous Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music in New York, as well as her CD Cool Classics, which is a collection of classical masterpieces recorded live.
Rosilee is a past faculty member of the Masterworks International Summer Music Festival, and is currently actively involved in the National Guild for Community Arts Education, a national organization that promotes artistic activities for children and youth. Russell was recently reappointed by the Governor to serve on the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children where she has served as Chair. Each year, she assists in the selection process of students who have artistic talent to attend Arkansas Governor’s School.
In the fall of 2006, Russell founded and developed the UAFS Academy of the Arts, a preparatory program serving some 800 students each semester providing instruction in the visual and performing arts to children and youth. In the spring of 2008, she was awarded the Mayor’s Honors for her achievements in the Academy of the Arts. Rosilee is active as an arts columnist for the Times Record and is active in the media as a voice for the arts. In the fall of 2016, Russell opened Community School of the Arts where she currently serves. CSA has recently launched a Capital Campaign to build the Center for the Creative Arts, the first of its kind in Arkansas.
Director of Development & Educational Outreach
Dr. Phillip Russell
Phillip Russell is Director of Development and Director of Educational Outreach for Community School of the Arts. In the role of Director of Development, he coordinates all fundraising activities involved in constructing the Center for the Creative Arts which will house the current after-school programs of CSA as well as the Institute for the Creative Arts, the first performing and visual arts high school in Arkansas. As Director of Educational Outreach, Phillip develops and nurtures cooperative ties with the region so that educational opportunities in the arts can be provided to a larger group of students of varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Prior to joining CSA, Dr. Russell was Professor of Education and Associate Dean in the College of Education at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. Russell received a personal invitation by the late Chancellor Joel Stubblefield to join the UAFS administrative team in 2003. In that capacity, he was instrumental in founding the new College of Education, securing initial NCATE accreditation for the teacher education program, developing some six new degree programs, and authoring the report that resulted in the first-ever accreditation of the middle childhood education program. In addition, Russell formalized the assessment program for the College of Education and coordinated all faculty searches. In 2011, he was asked by Provost Ray Wallace to found and direct the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the first faculty professional development center at UAFS. The center provided faculty with the opportunity to come together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and find resources and support to improve the instructional process with the ultimate goal of enhancing both teaching and learning.
Phillip has also served as Associate Dean in the School of Education at Henderson State University and Director of Field Experience at the University of Arkansas – Monticello. At UAM, he was heavily involved in the development of eight professional development schools and a year-long student teaching internship experience. At that time, this endeavor was considered an extremely innovative idea in the field of teacher preparation and is now a commonly accepted practice among universities across the nation.
Russell has been NCATE coordinator at both UAFS and Henderson State University and served as a member of the Teacher Education Council at three Arkansas universities. As the licensure officer for over 20 years at three separate state institutions, Russell has worked closely with the Arkansas Department of Education in assisting literally hundreds of teacher education candidates in obtaining their professional licenses.
Throughout his career, Russell has been very active in both the Arkansas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (ArACTE) and the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators (ArATE). He has served as a board member and president for both organizations on numerous occasions, working with a diverse group of educators from across the state. Prior to his time in higher education, Phillip was a social studies teacher at Dover High School, Dover, Arkansas.
Dr Russell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas Tech University, as well as a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Arkansas. During his time at Arkansas, Russell founded the Micro-teaching Laboratory in the College of Education. He was also awarded teaching assistantships in both history and education.
Business Manager
Marsha Crow
Awaiting bio from Marsha... :)
Director of Marketing
Demi Cartwright
Demi Cartwright is a content creator who spent most of her childhood in Lubbock, TX. Her work and education has taken her all over the world. Demi has taken professional singing and dance lessons since she was only three years old. She went on to study Filmmaking at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus and Music at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she later earned her B.A. in Visual and Performing Arts Summa Cum Laude with Major Honors. During her time at UTD, her Capstone project involved researching the implementation of arts programs into underserved communities and developing a year-long all-inclusive film curriculum that she herself could later install in underserved communities.
A lifelong creative, Demi brings together her passions for visual storytelling, dance, and music. Over the last decade, she has sung professionally in wine bars, coffee shops, and busking the streets of Los Angeles. Demi has also danced under the direction of world-class dancers in Hip-Hop, Salsa, Jazz, and much more. And her work behind the camera has taken her stateside and abroad working for notable figures such as Joey Travolta.
From 2021–2025, Demi taught filmmaking and TV production to the next generation of young creators while also coaching and teaching other subjects in both the U.S. and Spain. It was during her time in the US that she was able to formally introduce her capstone project into a Title I school in Florida. This chapter inspired her to pursue a Master’s in Teaching at Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid. In Alcalá, Demi conducted her Thesis Research Project on exploring art students’ vulnerability regarding mental health. She hopes to continue her education and become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for artists. Blending her love for mentorship with her eye for storytelling, Demi approaches every project and endeavor with creativity, intentionality, and heart. Her experience and dedication set her apart in the entertainment education industry, ensuring every student has the tools and capabilities to reach their full potential.
Registrar
Madison Faulkenberry
Madison Faulkenberry serves as the Registrar at CSA, bringing more than a decade of administrative experience and nearly ten years of experience working in school and business environments. A lifelong resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Madison is passionate about supporting students, families, and staff through organization, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Known for her love of spreadsheets, streamlined processes, and keeping things organized, Madison enjoys creating systems that help the school run smoothly. Her strong administrative background, commitment to accuracy, and dedication to following established procedures make her a valuable resource for both students and colleagues.
When she is not at work, Madison enjoys reading, playing board and card games, spending time with family, and exploring the outdoors. Some of her favorite moments are spent on her grandparents' farm, where she enjoys the beauty of nature and the opportunity to slow down and recharge.