Shawnee Public Schools

What happens when you mix creativity, imagination, and a little bit of alien inspiration? A fun and colorful art collaboration between Shawnee High School art students and 4th and 5th graders from Horace Mann Elementary! In a one-of-a-kind project, Horace Mann students drew their aliens, and SHS art students transformed those drawings into incredible clay sculptures, bringing their intergalactic creations to life.

The journey began when Horace Mann students tapped into their creativity, sketching unique and playful aliens. With a burst of imagination, the elementary artists let their minds wander beyond Earth, designing otherworldly creatures. But the magic didn’t stop there—with their skill and creativity, SHS art students took those drawings and turned them into colorful, three-dimensional clay sculptures.

The project was more than just about art—it was an opportunity for students to connect, collaborate, and bring their ideas to life in an exciting and hands-on way. 

Horace Mann Art Teacher, Tennille Manion shared, “Projects like these allow our older students to invest in the younger students in our district. When our high school students share their skills with elementary students, we help spark creativity and show them they’re part of a bigger community.”

The project is more than a showcase of artistic talent, it is also a reminder of the power of collaboration and the joy of creating something together. This project is just one of the many ways Shawnee Public Schools is bringing students together to learn, grow, and explore their artistic potential.