April 29, 2026 — Dytrell Austin, a student at East Cobb Middle School (ECMS), has demonstrated exceptional creativity by developing a unique artistic practice that blends imagination, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. Dytrell transforms simple pipe cleaners into expressive superhero and action figures that come to life with movement, personality, and character.
With encouragement from both his family and teachers, Dytrell has continued to refine his skills and expand his collection. Angela Frutoz, Visual Arts teacher at ECMS, encouraged Dytrell to bring in his full collection of figures, explaining that she wanted to create a special show of his work in a glass gallery case in one of the school's hallways.
His Foundations teacher, Addison Brooks, even did an "artist interview" to include in the large display. Dytrell’s exhibit debuted in February and can still be viewed on the school's lower level, just inside the bus pickup doors.
Despite having a collection of hundreds of pipe-cleaner figures he has made over the past three years, Dytrell knows the name and origin story for each one. Each of his figures has a special power, or several, that he can explain in detail. The ones in the display case are the ones he is particularly proud of, though he admits he does not really have a favorite.
"I can't pick my favorite because it's basically all of them," he said with a smile. "I put so much love and care into each one, so I can't say which one I like best."
Although he has made a few to give away, most of Dytrell's figures stay with him. His teacher, Ms. Brooks, has tried to buy one from him several times with no success.
"Yeah, we're not there yet, but I keep asking him anyway," she said with a grin. "Everyone who has seen his display has given rave reviews, from admin and parents, to bus drivers, but especially from other students."
Dytrell takes inspiration from movies and TV shows, as well as comic books and video games. Some of his figures are characters from existing stories, but most are creations of his own imagination. All are unique, though; even familiar characters take on a novel look and feel when Dytrell is the artist.
"I use my imagination. Sometimes I turn a villain into a good guy. Sometimes they even come from my dreams. The idea gets stuck in my head and won't go away until I'm done with it," Dytrell said about his creative process.
He began making the figures years ago because store-bought ones can get to be very expensive. But now, he prefers his own creations to any he could get off the shelf. He still browses the plastic figures available at retail stores, but usually it's for inspiration to build his own.
"The reason I like doing this so much is because it's pretty cool and fun at the same time," Dytrell said. "I just love it so much."
Constructing his figures can take as few as 20 pipe cleaners, but some have required many more. His largest, named Dime Core, is nearly a foot tall and includes many removable accessories. Another is a cowboy character from the video game Red Dead Redemption. One is a crocodile, one is a samurai with a removable hat, and another has giant wings. Dytrell's imagination and creativity are on full display through his figures.
This special showcase celebrates Dytrell’s hard work, persistence, and artistic voice, and allows his school community to experience the imagination and care he brings to his creations. Seeing his work displayed publicly has brought him great excitement and happiness, reinforcing the importance of nurturing young artists and honoring the creative paths they choose.
"It was a very good surprise for me when they put the display up," Dytrell said, beaming with joy.
His excitement is matched by those who teach him.
"He is so creative; he's just buzzing with creativity at all times. We couldn't be prouder of him for showing off his talent, and so happy he is sharing it with others," Ms. Brooks said about her talented visual artist.
