Daniel Street School second graders and Mrs. Korsen’s eighth-grade 2D and 3D art classes teamed up for a truly monster-sized creative collaboration that connected students across grade levels through imagination and art.

In September, Daniel Street’s second graders began the project by designing their “perfect monsters.” Students named their creations, illustrated them in full color, and described their monsters’ diets, habitats, and superpowers. These “Imagine Your Perfect Monster” worksheets were then shared with Mrs. Korsen’s eighth-grade art students.

Using only the original descriptions as their guide, the eighth graders brought the monsters to life. Students in the 3D art classes created clay monster sculptures complete with detailed open dioramas that showcased each monster’s environment, interests, and special abilities. Meanwhile, students in the 2D art classes designed creative “monster behind the door” projects, offering their own artistic interpretations.

In mid-January, the second graders took a field trip to the middle school to see their monsters come to life and meet the student artists who created them. The library filled with excitement as second graders eagerly moved from table to table, reuniting with their monsters and meeting “their” eighth-grade artists. It was a joyful and memorable experience for students at both grade levels.

This collaborative project is loosely inspired by The Monster Project, which emphasizes the power of imagination, creativity, and collaboration. As Mrs. Korsen shared, “When the second graders see their monsters reimagined and presented back to them in person, we’re able to demonstrate new art techniques within their original creative context. They get to see what their ideas sparked in others.”

The monster lineup includes standouts like Zoey, a friendly, gymnastics-loving monster who enjoys chocolate ice cream and lives in South Carolina, and Max, a happy, fluffy, invisible monster who lives “down the road” and loves chicken and rice—along with many other unforgettable Lindenhurst creations.

If you happen to spot Zoey, Max, or any of the other Lindenhurst monsters around, be sure to say hello—and maybe keep some chicken handy, just in case!