Harold Smart Jr. helped establish Brookside's art program during his more than 40 years of service.

Smart arrived in 1950 as a graduate of Wayne State University. He enrolled in the Master of Arts program at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, living at the academy while teaching at Brookside. As an instructor, Smart encouraged children of all ages and talents, sharing with them the beauty of the arts through his own work.

In 1972, Smart was appointed to be the first chairman of the three schools art department, a position he would serve in for the next 10 years. Smart—along with his wife, Jean—has also been a longtime director and supporter of the Cranbrook Day Camp.