More than 600 students at Veramendi Elementary School came together this spring to create a massive 30-foot collaborative art installation for Big Art Day under the direction of art teacher Elise Craig.

Inspired by the work of abstract artist Charles McGee, the low-relief sculpture features twisting, overlapping strips filled with bold patterns, dots, zigzags, and graphic designs created by students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Craig said the project began with a desire to involve every student at Veramendi in a shared artistic experience.

“With a campus as large as ours, I knew we could do something pretty incredible,” Craig said. “My ultimate goal was to have every single student contribute so each student could feel ownership in creating something very cool.”

Craig chose McGee’s work as inspiration because of its abstract style, contrasting colors, and playful patterns that she believed students would enjoy and connect with creatively.

“I thought the kids would react positively to the fun, graphic look of his work,” Craig said. “A lot of it has bold lines similar to comic books or anime, and I wanted students to feel confident they could create something in his style while still keeping their own creativity.”

The project was created as a low-relief sculpture, a style in which artwork projects slightly from a flat surface to create texture and depth. Students designed individual patterned strips that were later assembled together onto large foam boards.

Although coordinating more than 600 students may sound overwhelming, Craig said the process actually became easier because every class shared the same goal.

“There’s power in numbers,” she said. “When students saw what we could accomplish together in a matter of days, it became a really meaningful lesson about collaboration.”

Craig said she hoped students would take away lessons about teamwork, connection, and the importance of individual contributions.

“We connect, intersect, communicate, and coordinate every day as we navigate life,” she said. “Each person has unique gifts and skills to contribute, and every part matters.”

Students across campus said participating in the installation made them feel proud and excited to be part of something larger than themselves.

“It makes me feel happy, because everyone can see our work,” said first grader Wrigley Benjamin.

Third grader Scarlet Gomez said, “It feels like an honor to be part of such a big project like this, and makes you feel good inside.”

Second grader Olivia Zamora described the sculpture as “everyone’s art connected together, kind of like love.”

“Amazing, because without a doubt, this is crazy just to be in it, and being in it is a big deal,” said third grader Kate Brush. “Everything we learn is part of what we are.”

Third grader Meilana Reta-Chang summed up the experience in one word: “Delightful.”

Second grader Lily Summerlin said she felt “proud, because all students got to make a piece of art to put in the sculpture.”

Students also shared what they enjoyed most about the artistic process.

“I just actually love doing any kind of art; it’s my favorite subject,” Kate said.

Third grader Claire Smethurst said her favorite part was “decorating the strips and adding all the designs.”

“Everyone is putting something together to make a whole giant world, like a beautiful landscape,” said Ella Foster, a second grader.

Others reflected on the deeper meaning behind the installation.

“I think it represents culture,” said third grader Luke Grantham. “The little strips are the people in the country.”

Second grader Hollis Flora said participating in the project made her feel connected to the artist who inspired it.

“Working on the project made me think of the artist who started it, and it makes me feel like I was there with him, making it,” Hollis said.

For Craig, seeing the finished installation come to life was emotional and rewarding.

“Just thinking about how it started as an idea and now it exists — I love that whole process,” she said. “It’s proof that anything you dream up is possible if you’re willing to go for it.”

While this was Craig’s first project on this scale, she said it likely will not be the last.

“Collaboration and synergy are my favorite things,” she said. “Absolutely, I’ll do it again.”