Among the many art installations at this year's True/False Film Fest, the "Cabinet of Wonder" dispensed miniature art works — “objects of wonder and awe” — to patrons free of charge.

Hawthorne Elementary School students dreamed up and sculpted the miniature art works, which were plants and magical creatures, under the guidance of Laura Haynes, an art teacher and longtime festival collaborator.

Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary School students also created nearly 300 little artworks for the Cabinet of Wonders. Jeri Donoho, Locust Street's Art Specialist, and Lydia Clark, the Arts Integration Specialist led their school's effort.

The festival's art team volunteers, many of whom are experienced artists, created collages to adorn the cabinet façade. They were led by Sarah Nguyen, the festival's art installation curator.

Nguyen came up with the cabinet of wonders installation, which stems from a concept dating back to the 1500s, the cabinet of curiosities. The centuries old idea is considered a precursor to museums.

Story by Alyse Pfiel

Video by Aidan Boyd