Thanks to a Classroom Grant, Bennington Middle School students are creating a recycled sculpture inspired by artist Dale Chihuly. Under the guidance of Art Teacher Amy Blanchard, 6th to 8th graders are collaborating to design a massive artwork that will hang in the school’s cafeteria.
The project engages students in hands-on learning with recycled materials such as plastic water bottles. The bottles, will be cut and assembled into Chihuly-inspired shapes. “This project allows students to develop 21st Century Skills like collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving while creating something meaningful for the school community,” said Blanchard.
Impact Highlights:
• Hands-on experience with 3D art and recycled materials
• Collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in action
• Public art displayed for students, staff, and the community
• Sustainability lessons through the use of recycled materials
The project benefits 420 students this year and will impact many more in the future. The grant funded items such as sharpies, spray paint, floral and cutting wire. Blanchard will spray paint hundreds of empty water bottles, which the students can then cut the bottles to reflect Chihuly’s glass pieces. These bottles will be assembled to the chicken wire with floral wire to create the giant sculpture that will hang in the cafeteria. This sculpture will be seen by the students, staff and the community when they come to the school for various events.
"With students already working on coloring recycled bottles, the excitement is building as the their first large-scale public art sculpture takes shape!" said Blanchard, "We're so grateful to be able to do this project thanks to Foundation funding."
Support future projects like this with a donation to the Classroom Grant program. ➤
