From Trash to Treasure: GUSD Students Turn Nearly 1,500 Water Bottles into Art

If you’ve dined at Frisella’s in Glendora Village over the last few months, you may have noticed its colorful, eye-catching chandeliers. But took a little closer: those pieces aren’t actually made of glass…and despite how they might look, they weren’t created by professional artists. Using nearly 1,500 discarded water bottles, GUSD elementary students transformed everyday materials into 10 stunning installations inspired by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Created in the district’s Glendora Education Foundation-supported STEAM Labs, the chandeliers have traveled beyond the classroom to become public works of art, with even more exciting destinations to come.

We spoke with GUSD art teachers Andrea Denny and Indu Afandalor about the ambitious project, the magic of collaboration, and what happens when young artists see their creativity out in the world.

Please introduce yourselves and tell us where you teach in the GUSD.

We are Andrea Denny and Indu Afandalor, also known as the “dream team”, but only to ourselves. We teach K-3 art in all the GUSD elementary schools. Andrea serves Cullen and La Fetra, Indu serves Stanton and Sellers, while we share Sutherland. Together we teach art to approximately 1600 students a month in the combined classes. We love GUSD, and our own children attend schools in the district. 

Please tell us about the glass project you worked on with the students this last year.

Earth day falls in the month of April and we like to honor that with an earth friendly project. Last year we took inspiration from a glass blowing artist named Dale Chihuly. (You may have famously seen his artwork on the ceiling of the Bellagio in Las Vegas.) Using almost 1500 discarded water bottles we created 10 beautiful “chandeliers”. 

GUSD student projects are displayed at Frisella's Eatery in the Village.

For someone who isn't familiar with Dale Chihuly's work, what were some of the artistic ideas or techniques you introduced to the kids?

Dale Chihuly is a glass blower from the Seattle area. In 1971 he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School where you can go and learn about glassblowing to this day. The students used water bottles, permanent markers and a heat gun..(well, WE used the heat gun..) to  recreate the “glass look” of Dale Chihuly’s sculptures. Students also learned about art installations in public places and environments outside of museums. 

What was the students' reaction when you first introduced the project? Did they immediately “get it,” or did it take some convincing?

This was a fan favorite! Kids from previous classes, teachers, parents and administrators all came through the STEAM Labs to “oooh” and “ahhh” over this project. Each child created a single bottle of their own and then it was put together in a collaborative piece using all the bottles from each school in a single sculpture. This was a project that they literally couldn’t mess up so every student had a win with this one. 

There’s something really amazing about seeing all of these individual student pieces come together as one larger installation. How did you approach that part of the project.

We wanted to create something that couldn’t be ignored. Something that served as a conversation piece where students could share their knowledge of a new artist, use of recycled materials and collaboration. We had to ease students into the idea that this project wasn’t going home with them. Many REALLY wanted to keep their piece of the project but when they came back to the labs they were amazed at the final results. 

Cullen student seeing her work displayed in the community.

Was there a moment during the project when you stepped back and thought, “Wow, they're really doing something special here”?

When we finally got all the water bottles put together and stood back to see it, it was undeniable that we had made something extraordinary. It was one of our most asked about projects, people couldn’t believe they were made from trash.

What do you hope students remember from this project, not just about art, but about themselves as artists and creators?

We hope they remember they were part of something special and that to make it happen they had to work with everyone, not just their favorites. Projects like this foster a community attitude, reminding us that when we work together, we can create beautiful things.

When you see Glendora students creating something like this, what does that say about the value of having STEAM opportunities in our schools, and the support from the Glendora Education Foundation that makes them possible?  

Specifically, in regard to elementary art, this program confirms that the arts hold value and should not be treated as optional content. The laws passed that have made art education mandatory for all grade levels and the STEAM labs that were supported heavily by GEF, allowed us to create a place where art, and STEM, holds space like any other core content. In this time where AI is making many people question what is original or what is copied, it is so important for students to be able to adapt, create, and think outside of the box. 

As a teacher can you explain the benefits of incorporating STEAM into curriculum?

Art in general teaches self-regulation, risk taking, problem solving, reflection, communication and so much more! Students that participate in art tend to produce more creative solutions, self-awareness and reflective practices. The STEAM Labs are spaces where the students can explore ideas and make mistakes. They adjust, and recover, and try new things in that environment. 

Where can people find the project now and are there any plans for it in the future?

Currently they still live at Frisella’s in downtown Glendora, but we have been contacted by someone who has asked if she could have them for her granddaughter's wedding which will be set in a forest. The pieces will be hung from trees and used as decor at the reception. We can’t wait to see the pictures and show them to the students!! We want to thank Frisella’s for their support and willingness to display our artwork. Students were able to go into a public place and see their work, which is a unique and exceptional experience for such young artists.

Are there any exciting projects you are working on for the 2026/2027 year?

We are introducing some new artists this year including Joan Miro, Gustav Klimt, Mary Blair, and Reggie Laurent. We hope to expand on what our students have learned about the Elements of Art and build on their skills and techniques.  We are excited about making some AGAMOGRAPH portraits and some new collaborative projects. 

If you’d like to see what else the GUSD Art “Dream Team” has coming up, follow them on instagram at @gusd_artventures where they post works in progress, finished pieces, and other ideas that kids and families can use to expand their art experiences outside of the labs.