Albuquerque Public Schools
From Page to Clay: Students Bring Monsters to Life
Chaparral Elementary and Jimmy Carter Middle School students team up for a creative cross-school art project.
A creative partnership between Chaparral Elementary and Jimmy Carter Middle School turned imagination into art and connected students across grade levels in a meaningful way.
The collaboration began when Chaparral students read the book I Need My Monster and created drawings of their own “under the bed” monsters. Their imaginative sketches were then shared with middle school art students at Jimmy Carter, who transformed the drawings into detailed 3D ceramic sculptures.
When the finished pieces were delivered, students had the chance to see their ideas brought to life in a whole new way. Middle school artists connected directly with younger students, sharing their creative process and talking about how they turned two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional works of art.
The project brought together students from special education programs, kindergarten and upper elementary grades, highlighting collaboration, creativity and mentorship across schools.
The partnership culminated in a family event that combined a Homework Diner with an art showcase, where families from both schools gathered to celebrate the student work. The event created space for connection, pride and a shared appreciation for student creativity.
With support from educators across both campuses, including coordination of special education programs, the project is a powerful example of how collaboration can inspire students and build community.