Earlier this month the Los Angeles Times reported that out of 700 school in the city, only 35 received an “A” letter grade for the quality of their art programs, based on data they gathered about the L.A. Unified School District. This figure is said to be indicative of the decreasing of quality and accessibility art programs across America. A Texas-based start-up, Monster Project, looks to do their part in remedying this detrimental trend, one three-eyed monster at a time.

Monster Project is a collective effort in which elementary school students are encouraged to draw pictures of monsters. A professional artists then re-renders the drawings as paintings, sculptures, 3-D animations, animated videos, and more, to truly bring the student’s vision to life. The students receive the reimagining of their drawings from the artists themselves, which shows them the influence of their own creativity.

Their agenda is simple (as per their Kickstarter page):

With a decreasing emphasis on arts in schools, many children don’t have the opportunity for creative exploration they deserve. That’s a monstrous trend we would like to destroy. As artists ourselves, we understand how important that initial creative exposure is and how it can truly alter the shape of a child’s future.

By collaborating with the students and finding inspiration from their imaginings, we hope to help them recognize the value of their ideas and make them feel excited about the potential of their own minds. Creativity comes in many forms, and we hope to encourage their exploration of their own unique perceptions of the world we share. And, while we’re at it, we want to introduce to them the notion of art as a legitimate career path.

 

While the collective has only worked with students from two Texas schools, one in Dallas and one in Austin, their intention is to expand their efforts; New York City being the next location. Enjoy some of the art below, and donate to their Kickstarter here.