Visit our Facebook page to see inside the classroom of Columbia Art Teacher Valerie Cafarelli. Students in her Ceramics/Sculpture class are making fantastical animal hybrids called alebrijes based on inspiration from Mexican papier-mâché artist Pedro Linares.

Students were given the creative freedom to combine two or three animals of their choice. After sketching, planning, and researching, they built armatures using wire, tape, and newspaper. On Tuesday morning, they strengthened their sculptures with plaster of Paris strips, dipping the strips in cold water and then laying them delicately onto their projects.

In the coming days, these creatures will come to life with bright colors and patterns. Be sure to check out the finished works at the Multicultural Fair on April 16!