By Marisa Dawson, Photos Courtesy of Amy Blanchard

Three new works of art now welcome students, families and visitors to Bennington Middle School, but the colorful clay totems standing at the front of the school represent much more than decoration.

The three sculptures are the result of a collaborative project involving Bennington Middle School’s 8th grade pottery students, art teacher Amy Blanchard, local ceramic artist Judith Snyder (both pictured below), a local welder and the Bennington Public Schools Foundation.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Bennington Public Schools Foundation, which provided funding to bring Snyder into the classroom and purchase the supplies needed for the project.

For Blanchard, the idea had been in the back of her mind for years. She first saw a flier for a pottery class Snyder was teaching at a local pottery shop and thought the concept could translate well into a classroom project.

“I thought it would be the perfect collaborative project for my students,” Blanchard said.

During the fifth hexter of the 2025–2026 school year, Snyder co-taught several 8th grade pottery classes with Blanchard, introducing students to a process that was new to both the students and their teacher.

“Ms. Snyder co-taught a couple of 8th grade pottery classes with me,” Blanchard said. “The process of how to build the totems was new to both me and the students.”

Students learned everything from selecting the appropriate type of clay and constructing hollow ceramic forms to using sgraffito, a carving technique that allowed them to create detailed designs, patterns and textures in the surface of their pieces (as seen below).

Each student was given complete creative freedom over the designs they carved into their individual clay spheres. The carving process quickly became one of the students’ favorite parts of the project.

“They loved seeing their designs come to life,” Blanchard said.

The project did come with its challenges. Constructing the clay spheres proved particularly difficult, while the class also had to work within a tight six-week schedule and complete several other projects during the same pottery course.

Once the individual pieces were finished, two 8th grade students took on another important role: determining how the hundreds of individual elements would come together as three sculptures.

The students used their study hall time to arrange the pieces, considering the size and colors of each piece as they developed the final configurations. They then numbered the pieces with tape so they could be correctly assembled once the supporting poles were installed.

The ceramic pieces were created using a specialized clay and glaze formula designed to withstand Midwestern weather, allowing the artwork to remain outdoors for years to come. A local welder fabricated the metal poles that support the ceramic pieces, adding another layer of local craftsmanship to the project.

After the welded poles were installed, Blanchard worked with her students to assemble the three sculptures.

The students who created the pieces, however, had already moved on to high school by the time the totems were installed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Blanchard said she hopes the former students will return to the middle school to see their artwork permanently displayed.

Although the original student artists may not have been present for the installation, the finished sculptures now serve as a lasting reminder of their work and creativity.

“This kind of community collaboration is incredibly meaningful because it shows students that their artwork can have a lasting impact beyond the classroom,” Blanchard said. “They were able to work alongside local professionals and see how different people contributed their skills to bring their ideas to life.”

For Blanchard, that lasting impact is one of the most important aspects of the project. The students were able to see their creativity become part of the physical school community, while also experiencing firsthand how collaboration can turn an idea into something tangible.

“I think it is important for students to see that their creativity and hard work are valued by the community,” she said. “Having their artwork permanently installed at the school gives them a sense of pride and ownership, and hopefully inspires them to continue creating and contributing to their community.”

Now, the totems stand at the front of Bennington Middle School for a new generation of students and visitors to enjoy.

Blanchard hopes they will encourage people to slow down long enough to appreciate the details, and the many hands behind them.

“I hope the totems encourage students, families, and visitors to pause from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and really take a moment to look at and appreciate the artwork,” she said. “Most of all, I hope the totems brighten someone’s day and bring a little joy to everyone who sees them.”