National Art Honor Society students recently completed their annual portraits for the Memory Project, a non-profit organization that connects youth around the world through art. Every year participating students receive photographs of children facing hardships like poverty, violence, or neglect, and spend several months recreating these photographs as color pencil drawings. The finished artworks are then delivered to the children. 

This year, NAHS students drew children from Honduras, a country that is experiencing multiple humanitarian crises, including political instability and gang violence. Avalon Bell ’26 expressed how grateful she was to be able “to brighten someone else's life, especially someone in less-fortunate conditions than I.” Sofia Kennedy ’26 shared that by making a portrait, “I felt I was truly doing something kind. I love art, and this was an awesome way to put that passion to good use.” NAHS faculty sponsor Lauren Cunningham commented, “One reason I love this project–and students, too–is that it provides a tangible opportunity for them to make a difference with their art.”

The experience is not only meaningful to students as a service project; it’s also a valuable learning opportunity for developing artists. For example, Cati Stabell ’25 created Memory Project portraits two years in a row and noted that her drawing skills greatly improved. Furthermore, she’s taken a greater interest in depicting people and faces in her own artwork.

The Memory Project is a longstanding tradition at EHS, dating back to 2006. For 19 consecutive years, over 270 students have participated, sending their art to children in 17 different countries. The project remains an important part of the School's Visual Arts program.