The Memory Project: Making Memories

The Memory Project gets its name from its intention–to provide handmade, heartfelt portraits as special memories to children in orphanages. For 10 years, students in the Brewster High School National Art Honor Society have been drawing and painting portraits for children all around the world. This year, the group made portraits of children in Malawi.

“We got to choose who we were going to paint. We looked through pictures and read blurbs about children that the non-profit provided,” said Emma Derrell- Co-President of the NAHS, “I chose Delilah who is 9 years old. Her favorite color is blue so I tried to incorporate blue into the painting.

Students chose to do their portrait in any style.

Sienna Heim did her portrait in charcoal, as charcoal in her opinion is best for shading and mood.

“It’s a chance for a kid to see their face drawn by someone else,” said Sienna. It can give hope.”

“Creating these portraits fosters a sense of civic responsibility among our students,” said art teacher and NAHS advisor Janet Lyn-Tallevi, “They recognize that their artwork serves as a beacon of hope and connection for children who are often overlooked. By participating in The Memory Project, our students not only hone their artistic skills but also cultivate empathy and awareness of global issues. They learn how their creative expressions can transcend geographical boundaries, bringing joy and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.”

Willow DeSouza, Co Vice-President of NAHS painted a child named Broman.

“In the description I read that Broman likes soccer and the color yellow so aside from his beautiful face, I painted soccer balls and added yellow. This project is meaningful because it creates a connectedness that is more personal to help kids with the hard times that they are experiencing. It’s good to give money but this is more personal.

Sabrina Guo, Treasurer of NAHS, said “this project is special because these kids are growing up in a disadvantaged world, and our portraits show them that we care about them.”

The Memory Project is a wonderful example of promoting civic responsibility–a core value of our district–for our students.