Gifted and Talented Art students took on the subject of “The Beauty of Small Creatures:  Can Bugs Be Art?” this semester in sculpting and painting larger-than-life bugs at Glasgow Middle School.  The artwork was so good it is being shown at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans this week through April 1.  A student reception is scheduled at the museum 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 19.  After that, the student art will be exhibited at the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans (April 1-May 15).

Students from Glasgow Middle School have proven that bugs can be art, but these bugs are not just ordinary backyard bugs.  They are some of the rarest and most unique bugs in the world.  Students enlarged the bugs from between one-eighth or one-fourth of an inch as a living creature to 2-feet long as sculptures. The bugs are larger than life, with extraordinary craftsmanship to show similar characteristics to the actual bug. The purpose of enlarging the bugs is so these small, beautiful creatures are easier to view. It also serves to help people appreciate insects, not fear them.  In addition, students got science lessons on issues such as bug habitats to go along with the art instruction.

The bug sculptured are from all around the world, including places such as Tanzania, Thailand, Madagascar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, Peru and the Philippines. During this project, students were fascinated by the vibrant colors of and patterns on the bugs, which they had never noticed before. Seeing the bugs enlarged gave a new perspective to students and increased their appreciation of these insects.  Originally, this project was inspired by bug mosaic artist Christopher Marley's interview on CBS, “Can Bugs Be Art”? His artwork is based on collections from around the world, especially tropical rainforests.

“Each student researched information on his other bug and found out about the size and habitats of the bugs. It was a long process, but the outcome was worth it,” said Talented Art teacher Geeta Dave.  “This exhibit provides a great opportunity for Glasgow students to share their unique science experiences through art. We hope it will be a great learning opportunity for the many children who have never been exposed to these unique bugs from around the world. It also will allow others to enjoy the quality of work that Glasgow Middle School Talented Art students can produce.”