Newtown Middle School eighth grade art enrichment students spent the school day on March 23 designing and creating larger-than life-shoes out of cardboard.

As students worked to construct shoes using corrugated cardboard in the afternoon, art teachers Leigh Anne Coles and Kristen Ladue and technology education teacher Kevin Eppley assisted students and offered guidance.

According to a handout for the project, the students were challenged to create a shoe with cardboard and 3D elements. Mr Eppley also helped the students create laser engravings for the creations. The day's project was inspired by modern artist Mike Leavitt. Students could work in groups of two to three, and a good portion of students opted to work alone.

After learning about Mr Leavitt's creations and studying the artist, Ms Coles explained the students designed the shoes before starting to work on their creations.

Ms Coles also said Mr Leavitt provided feedback for the event by answering questions about his art and inspirations for the handout that students used for the project.

The shoes will be part of the display for this year's Annual Student Showcase, scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, starting at 6 pm, when student art, projects, and talents will be on display for the public at the 11 Queen Street school.