University of North Texas

 Art students have created a monster.

Monsters, actually. The cute, cuddly, stuffed monsters came to life after students in the College of Visual Arts and Design reviewed drawings created by Denton ISD second graders.

About 17 students created the plush sculptures as part of a project called "Taming the World's Monsters" in an introductory 3D art class.

The college students are gaining professional experience in working with the demands of a client, in this case, the second graders, said James Thurman, assistant professor of studio arts.

"They also are learning the value of contributing to the needs of our community through the application of the skills and knowledge gained through this course," Thurman said. This is a pilot project, but in the future, we hope to have about 150 first-year students working with a local organization to create small stuffed or plush sculptures based on their particular needs so that we can have a significant positive impact for everyone involved."

Denton ISD students described the monsters, their lifestyle and what made them monsterly. The second graders drew their monsters, providing the college students with a visual guide, and then the UNT students turned their imaginary creatures into reality.

The second graders from Hodge Elementary School will keep the finished products. - Ellen Rossetti, News

Below, Tracie Adams with a blue haired monster.  (Photos by Gary Payne.)