February 7, 2001
Sculpture shapes school
Interlochen sculptor creates special project
By GARRET LEIVA
Herald editor
Schools often play a vital role in shaping the lives of children. Whether those changes are through testing and textbooks or Vermont marble.
Interlochen Elementary School in partnership with sculptor John Mooy is creating a sculpture for permanent display at the school. It is a project that demonstrates the use of a cutaway saw and the importance of seeking beauty in everyday life.
"I thought it would be interesting for young people to see a piece of sculpture go from raw stone to finished product," noted Mooy, a stone sculptor, who also works at Interlochen Elementary as a playground and teacher aide.
To bring this proposed project to life, Mooy contacted neighboring Interlochen Arts Academy. The school graciously donated a 22 inch high block of Vermont marble for the sculpture, which Mooy will give to the elementary school when finished.
Last month, the Interlochen wildlife artist began working with students on the design of the sculpture. The completed red-tail hawk sculpture will be the cornerstone in a proposed permanent school art gallery. The exhibit will also feature artwork donated to the school by both local and national artists.
While Mooy wields the saws, grinders, and chisels, student input has also shaped the sculpture. Wheeling the stone into different classrooms on an old desk, Mooy asked students what they thought was inside the marble. Using a piece of drawing paper, students then came up with design ideas for the sculpture. They also came up with some interesting questions.
"When I mentioned there might be a bird inside the stone, one of the kids asked, "How can he breathe?," said Mooy, who noted that another student asked if he was a friend of Michelangelo.
Mooy said that many of these comments will undoubtedly end up in the pages of another project. With accompanying pictures, Mooy envisions a book that follows the school's sculpture from block of stone start to soft cloth polish finish.
While the dusty, power tool stages of sculpting require Mooy to work outside, the bird sculpture often roosts in the hallway so students can see its development.
"They all want to touch the sculpture. Usually, that's a good sign that your on the right track as a sculptor," Mooy said. Students will have ample opportunity to stay in touch through the countless hours of chiseling and sanding before the exact form is heated with a torch and marble polish is applied.
Although the tail feathers and talons have yet to take shape, the untitled sculpture has already made a name for itself around school. Principal Pam Alfieri said students are constantly giving her updates on the sculpture. She also noted that Mooy's roles as teacher aide and artist shape students in a positive manner.
"All great societies in history have left academic imprints as well as artistic imprints. We feel we need to keep that balance in the school system," Alfieri said. "John fosters a culture in which students can do anything."
In this case, anything means taking a hands-on role in creating a work of art. Mooy said his goal is that every student take part in the sanding of the sculpture. This way every person in the school can say they had a hand- no matter how small- in the project.
Crafting art from solid stone can strain creative thoughts and back muscles. Despite these pains, Mooy hopes the sculpture will shape students' interest in the world around them.
"I tell them all the time that (sculpting) is really hard work, but I love it. It is important that they find something they develop such a passion for, even if it's difficult at times."