Bug's Life: Art Students Donate Final Project to Autistic Children's Center

When David Parson’s 3-D art class had to come up with a project to use the 12”X24”X12’ planks of Styrofoam donated by Dow Chemical, they decided to depict large, human-scale bugs waiting at a bus stop. With three weeks to complete the installation as their final project, they partnered up to create characters such as a schoolboy ant, a grasshopper on his cell phone, and a queen bee.

“I’m proud of their commitment and collaboration in order to get the project done,” says the assistant professor of studio art. “They surprised me by putting in a great deal of time outside of class to see the project through.”

The installation, complete with a fly-swatter shaped “bus shelter” crafted by Parsons, was donated to the Julia Ann Singer Therapeutic School, a center for children with autism, learning disabilities and other developmental and emotional challenges in Los Angeles.

“The sculptures are a fabulous addition to the resources we have for learning,” says Joseph Grillo, program director of the Julia Ann Singer Therapeutic School. “The children and their families responded to them immediately. Our teachers have incorporated a lesson plan about insects into the curriculum, and the sculptures are serving as inspiration for our children in their artwork, both during the schoolday and in our after-school program. Your thoughtfulness and that of your students at Dominguez Hills are very much appreciated.”

- Joanie Harmon

Photos above, top to bottom (L-R): Astrid Salguero, junior (Art), at left, and Mariam Zubin, senior (Art) show off their cell-phone toting grasshopper, with snail by Edie Asker, senior (Studio Art).

A backpack-wearing “student” hangs out with Robin Wilkes, instructional aid technician, Visual Arts Department.

(L-R) Brandy Reese, senior (Art History) and Rhonda Hall, sophomore (Studio Art) give the project some legs.

Jonathan Stanley, senior (Art History), puts the finishing touches on his spidery creation.

David Parson’s 3-D art class assembles their “City Bugs” installation, which depicts urban personalities at a bus stop.

David Parsons, assistant professor of art, anchors the giant flyswatter that hangs over the “City Bugs” at the bus stop.