Students create portraits of children in Russia, in hopes of connecting, uplifting, and encouraging them
With the help of art teachers Katie Cichon and Bob Dooley, Seneca High School’s Art Department teamed up with the non-profit organization The Memory Project to create portraits of children in Russia.
The Memory Project, a charitable nonprofit organization, invites art teachers and their students to create portraits for youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as neglect, abuse, loss of parents, violence and extreme poverty. The art classes recently finished the portraits and are getting ready to mail them back to The Memory Project headquarters in Middleton, Wisconsin, where the portraits will be received and then delivered to Russia.
“It is my belief that we must use our talents to benefit and bring joy to others,” Cichon said. “Additionally, I want reinforce with my students that doing things for others without expectation or receiving something in return is a valid life lesson. The students in the Seneca Art department have many talents, and it is a special experience to have the opportunity to use their gifts to support and encourage children across the world. As the students worked on the portraits of Russian children, I hope they became connected with the love of humanity they share.”
“It makes me feel good knowing that I am making a kid’s day a little better even if she is on the other side of the world,” senior Sasha Giovannini-Sula added.
“This is second year we’ve been able to do this,” senior Halla Ribar said. “It feels great to use my talents as an artist to be able to help others.”
For more information on The Memory Project, visit www.memoryproject.org.
