A group of Lucerne Valley art students let their imaginations run free on paper, which resulted in the creation of ceramic monsters that some call masterpieces.
The project started when Lucerne Valley Elementary School second-grade teachers Kari Berletich, Michelle Lane, Brittney Maurer and Carley Stiles came across a video where younger students teamed up with a high school class for a special project.
The teachers would eventually come up with the bold assignment that included telling their 7- and 8-year-old students to let their imaginations run free while drawing their emotions in the form of monsters, according to the Lucerne Valley Unified School District.
“They were not scared at all,” Stiles said. “We asked them, ‘What does happiness look like? What about anger or silliness?’ The students were beyond excited and couldn’t wait to start creating their own unique, expressive monsters.”
Stiles then connected with Lucerne Valley Middle High School art teacher Mary Vasquez about the idea.
“The students embraced this project with genuine excitement and pride,” Vasquez said. “They loved the idea of creating artwork specifically for the second-grade students, and that sense of purpose made all the difference. It did not feel like a typical classroom project; it felt meaningful. Because of that, many students pushed themselves to grow artistically, and we saw a noticeable increase in both effort and skill.”
After some time, the elementary students had created colorful, expressive and imaginative artwork.
Firing up the monsters
Those expressions would later spring to life when the middle and high school art students turned the visionary monster doodles into 58 unique glazed, kiln-fired ceramic sculptures, each crafted with care and intention, Vasquez added.
Vasquez explained that each piece began with ceramic clay and was carefully shaped by hand. After drying for about a week, the sculptures went through their first kiln firing, known as a bisque firing, which hardens the clay.
Once the pieces successfully completed this stage, students applied glaze, a special coating that adds color and creates a smooth, glass-like, waterproof finish.
The pieces were then fired a second time in what is called a glaze firing. After this final step, the finished artworks were ready to be packaged and shared with the second graders.
Rewarding and joyful project
“I am so impressed by the level of collaboration taking place across the district,” Lucerne Valley Elementary School Assistant Principal Suzie Manley said. “It’s such a powerful example of how small school districts can accomplish incredible things when supported by a strong, connected community.”
When the second-graders first saw how their doodles on paper had transformed, “their reactions were priceless,” Stiles said.
“The students were absolutely thrilled to see their monsters come to life right in front of them,” Stiles added. “There were big smiles, lots of excitement, and they couldn’t wait to take their creations home to show their families.”
The students would later proudly show off their monsters at Elementary Family Night in March, “which made the experience even more special,” Stiles said.
The “Monster Collaboration” ceramics pieces will be shown alongside the second-grade artwork at the middle high school’s annual Music and Art show from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 8, at the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium at Lucerne Valley Middle High School.
“This was such a rewarding and joyful project for our middle and high school students, including members of the school’s Art Club,” Vasquez said. “It truly became more than just an assignment; it was an opportunity to connect across grade levels and give back to our school community.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Kids imagined monsters. Lucerne Valley art students brought them to life
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
