There were elements of animal life and human life, monsters, nature, buildings, and even a shoe along with shapes that defied a category. Sixth graders at H.C. Crittenden Middle School followed their intuition and let their imagination run free as they created their first art project of the year.
Called Fantastical Forms, this new open-ended sculpture project was intended to help students become comfortable in the art room as they let the materials guide their creativity.
“Rather than working from an image or even brainstorming ideas, the students just began building, deciding what their sculpture would become as they began manipulating the materials,” art teacher Joanna Bergelson said.
Students first built a vertical framework using an empty plastic bottle, a chopstick and tape and used newsprint and cardboard to build their piece around the frame. They painted their sculpture, adding details and patterns like paint splatters or polka dots.
“I was astounded at the variety of the work,” Ms. Bergelson said. “The students went in so many different directions and they were all equally successful. These sculptures represent the distinct personalities and creativity of the students.”
Students loved the freedom to create what they wanted.
Sixth grader Aleksander Nezaj fashioned a giraffe, an animal he likes. “We had a lot of freedom and we got to choose whatever we wanted to do,” he said. “It was nice.”
While some students created a specific object for their sculpture, like a tree or a shoe, others made a collection of shapes and colors. One sculpture was made up of several animals: a bunny, giraffe, cat and moose.
Whatever they made, the students enjoyed the project. 
“It’s a lot of fun and I’m having a good time,” said Ruby Schechtman, who created a shoe. “I liked being able to decide what I want to make.”
Rocco Minutillo liked that he got to express himself as he created a volcano. “I wanted to make something exciting,” he said.
Selina Lu sculpted a sunrise with wings. “You can kind of make whatever you want,” she said. “It doesn’t even have to be an actual thing and you can paint it any color you want.”
The Fantastical Forms were a great introduction to art at the middle school.
“This project gives students the chance to explore and feel successful, which gives them confidence to move on to projects that are more planned,” Ms. Bergelson said.
