This winter and spring, I had the joy and honor of leading a schoolwide recycled art project at Marshall Road Elementary. Over the course of several months, I worked closely with the 6th grade students to collect discarded materials and transform them into something meaningful and lasting. What began as a simple idea to create a sculpture grew into a vibrant collaborative experience that resulted in two large-scale murals and two sculptures, all made entirely from recycled and repurposed items brought in by the students, staff, and families.

Each piece reflects the creativity, teamwork, and care these students brought to the project. From colorful bottle caps and broken toys to worn-out household plastics and scrap metal, nothing was too small or too strange to find a new purpose. The murals will hang proudly in the school cafeteria, adding color and character to a shared space, while the sculptures—two striking roadrunners, the school’s mascot—now stand outdoors near the school’s welcome and information sign, greeting visitors with a bold and meaningful message about reuse and community.

This project wasn’t just about making art—it was about showing students how sustainability can be joyful, expressive, and empowering. I’m so proud of what we created together, and even more excited for the ideas it may spark in the next generation of artists and changemakers.