Northeastern Schools’ “Clay Critters” art project brings 2-D animations to life. High school art teacher Trisha Peters and elementary art teacher Hanna Hoogenboom led the collaboration that turns kindergartners’ sketches into 3-D sculptures.
Peters and Hoogenboom started the project after reuniting at Northeastern; the two previously worked at Richmond Community Schools. Hoogenboom delivers her students’ drawings to Peters, who pairs them with one of her Intro to 3D courses.
High school students “adopt” a kindergartner’s critter to sculpt. The creation begins as pinch pots with clay merged together. By learning different clay-making methods, they attach pieces to completion.
Peters said the kindergartners’ imagination poses a unique challenge for her students.
“It’s a great opportunity for the high schoolers to problem solve,” Peters said in an email.
Once finished, the pieces and original sketches are hand-delivered and displayed in the school hallways for a few weeks. They are featured in the library before a final appearance at the annual Elementary Art Show.
Hoogenboom said seeing their drawings come to life is “pure awe” for the kindergartners and the high schoolers are “filled with pride and nerves,” hoping they did the young artists’ works justice.
“The smiles on delivery day usually say more than words ever could. It’s a very exciting day for everyone involved,” said Peters.
They both expressed how it’s a huge gift to have the high school and elementary so close. It bridges an age gap that can’t be done in larger districts.
“The collaboration shrinks the distance between our oldest and youngest students and reminds us why being part of such a tight-knit, small school community is so special,” said Peters.
A version of this article appeared in the April 22 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.