In a world overflowing with waste, Mulberry Elementary students have found a way to recycle, reimagine, and redefine plastic bottles—turning trash into hallway treasure.
Mulberry Elementary students, under the creative guidance of art teacher Kat Winslow, transformed over 1,000 recycled plastic bottles into a vibrant sculpture that now hangs proudly in the school’s hallway. The collaborative art piece was inspired by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and showcases not only artistic talent but also the importance of sustainability.
“We studied Dale Chihuly’s work, watched videos and learned about the fascinating world of glassblowing,” said Winslow. “Then we used recycled bottles, which students and staff collected, to create our own version of his iconic chandeliers.”
Each student, from kindergartners to sixth graders, contributed to the project. They decorated the bottles with colorful Sharpie patterns before Winslow cut them into spirals, mimicking Chihuly's dynamic glass shapes. Older students even stepped in to help assemble the bottles onto a hidden armature that would allow the structure to hang from the ceiling while retaining its unique shape.
Fourth-grader Nora, who designed a rainbow-themed bottle, shared her excitement: “I didn’t really know how it was going to turn out, but I think the final product looks really good now. It makes me feel proud that my artwork is on display for everyone to see.”
The sculpture's impact goes beyond aesthetics. Winslow emphasized the environmental message behind the project. “We talked about what plastic does to our environment and how we can turn something that might be wasteful into something beautiful,” she explained. “It’s a great way to show students how art can inspire change.”
The reaction from the Mulberry community has been overwhelmingly positive. Initially displayed in Winslow’s classroom with twinkling lights, the sculpture took on a whole new life when moved to the hallway. “Seeing it in the larger space made it feel so much bigger and more impactful,” Winslow noted.
Building on this success, Winslow is planning an additional second sculpture with painted bottles. Initially intended as a farewell project for fifth and sixth graders transitioning to middle school, she now hopes to involve the entire school once again. “I love the idea of creating an annual tradition, adding to the collection year by year,” she said.
For the students, the project has been a journey of discovery, creativity, and teamwork. As Nora put it, “It was really cool to see how it all came together—and now it’s this beautiful sculpture in our hallway.”