I really think I could start something if I could meet people who are interested in 3d modelling and animation. I hoped a school near by offered some type of media arts & animation program but it does not appear so. I'm completely at a loss as to where I would find groups of people who are interested in this field. Any ideas?

Prolly the Help Wanted forum on the site gamedev.net.

you mean online or offline?

cgtalk.com is where a lot of 3d artist hang out. but since you mention locally, you mean offline? Sorry, i check you bio and I don't live in your area, so I can't help much.

but try asking at cgtalk.com regarding your area. someone there might know something.

Try polycount. You'll find many artists very quickly

http://www.polycount.com/forum/

I was meaning offline. I've found that it's very hard to keep someones interest with a project online.

Offline, I might suggest your local IGDA chapter. I met some people at their meetings, though it varies from chapter to chapter. Apart from that I don't know unless you happen to be employed by a developer :/