Students Reimagine and Repurpose in Cross-Divisional “Beautiful Oops” Art Collaboration

Lower and Middle School students joined together to transform overlooked materials into imaginative works of art, proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. 

In a collaborative effort to connect Global Goal No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, the grade 1 spiritual practice class partnered with grade 6 students from the health and wellness rotation for a cross-divisional project inspired by Beautiful Oops, a book by Barney Saltzberg that encourages young learners to view unexpected outcomes as opportunities for innovation.

Supported by a summer innovation grant developed by Lower School teacher Jessie Akers and Middle School teacher Leslie Pacheco-Manning, this unique initiative bridged divisions and disciplines to explore the power of a growth mindset and the impact of mindful consumption.

At the center of the project was a collaborative art experience in which students worked together to repurpose unused and previously set-aside materials such as paper remnants, packaging pieces, and fabric offcuts, transforming them into vibrant, expressive creations. Each piece told a story of imagination, resourcefulness, and the beauty of seeing potential.

For Lower School students, the project directly supported their year-long focus on Global Goal No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The goal, which encourages sustainable habits and thoughtful use of resources, is woven throughout the grade’s experiential and service learning. This hands-on art experience gave students a meaningful way to apply those principles.

Middle School students had the opportunity to take on leadership and mentorship roles, guiding their younger peers, sharing ideas, and reflecting on their own ability to adapt and grow through creative collaboration.

More than an art project, the “Beautiful Oops” collaboration became a joyful expression of resilience and sustainability. It served as a reminder to students that with a little imagination, even the most unexpected materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.