SERVICE. The Memory Project club is run by Jiin Woo, 11. The Memory Project is an organization that aims to show kids in third world countries that they are valued and cared for. Portraits of children from different countries are sent to schools where students then create a handmade portrait. Students who are interested are welcome to join at the next rotation which will be in Late November. All photos courtesy Adhiti Chundur

Students work on their portraits in Room 146. The Memory Project meets every monday in the AP Art studio room from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Students sign in and out each week to receive volunteer hours for their work. “I’m doing this project because it is a great way to give back to the community while at the same time having fun with friends and using this club as a way to wind down and use art to destress,” said Julia Kolnicki, 11.

As they grid out their portraits, Melinda Looney- Ho, 11 and Kolnicki discuss their projects. “The Memory Project is a variation from Windows of Hope. I think this is one of the most beneficial clubs for art in the school. Not only is it able to provide students with an opportunity to express their creativity but it is also for a good cause. The three year old I have to paint, Miguel Santiago, is adorable and I feel so honored to paint him,” said Looney- Ho.

Artists start making final touches on their portraits. “I am excited about the final project and seeing all of the finished canvases side by side. I’m eager for the reactions of the children. I hope this brightens their day and I hope to do another one of these portraits in the future,” Looney-Ho said.

Students are packaging the portraits along with a photo of themselves to send. The Memory Project will deliver the portraits to Columbia, where they will be distributed to the individual children. The organization will take a video of the portraits as the children receive them. To see these videos, visit https://memoryproject.org/.