That idea came to life at Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle High School, where metal artist David Cianni partnered with 8th-grade students for a unique cross-curricular art experience known as the Ant Project.
A total of 60 eighth-grade students participated in the project, each beginning with a handcrafted ant sculpture created by Cianni using rocks and welded wire. More than simply decorating a sculpture, students were challenged to transform their ants into characters with distinct personalities, encouraging creativity, storytelling, and personal expression.
Before bringing their sculptures to life, students learned about ants through research and discussion, exploring themes such as cooperation, perseverance, and community. In Language Arts classes, students extended the experience by writing about their ants, developing narratives that reflected the traits and identities they imagined for their creations. This integration of art and writing allowed students to connect visual creativity with literacy skills, deepening their engagement with the project.
During workshop sessions, students added clothing, accessories, and imaginative details to their sculptures, carefully crafting each ant to reflect humor, individuality, and meaning. No two ants were alike—some adventurous, some scholarly, some whimsical—each representing the creativity of its student artist.
Cianni’s visit allowed students to meet a working professional artist, learn about his artistic process, and see how simple materials can be transformed into meaningful works of art. The collaboration highlighted the power of community partnerships and demonstrated how the arts can inspire curiosity, confidence, and collaboration among students.
The completed ants are being proudly displayed in RSMMHS Media Center, celebrating both student creativity and the collaborative spirit between Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle High School and the local arts community. Through this project, students discovered that even something small can carry big ideas—just like the ants they created.