Brookwood School art students create memories
Over the past few weeks, Brookwood School art students have been working to create portraits of Afghan orphans as their annual contribution to the Memory Project. This nonprofit organization encourages art students across the nation to paint and donate renderings of orphansaround the world who have experienced adversity, including poverty, natural disasters, neglect, and significant loss. Given that youth in such situations usually have few personal keepsakes, these portraits serve not only as a significant piece of tangible history, but as an important reminder that they are valued and loved. For the art students, this project helps to foster empathy and a heightened understanding of the global community as well as to enhance their creative skills.
The Memory Project has operated for 14 years, partc- nered with orphanages in 44 countries, and collected over 100,000 portrait donations from art students.
“Many of these orphans that we have done portraits for have lost their families and all of their possessions due to natural disasters or war. Creating portraits for the orphans will give them a personal keepsake and hopefully will have a lasting impact where they know someone cares about them.” said art teacher Maureen Harrer.
This year is the 12th year Brookwood has participated in the Memory Project. Students will produce 25 portraits of Afghan orphans. The art student’s work will be on display at The Memory Project Art Exhibit hosted by Southern Friends Framing and Antiques located at 210 S. Broad St. The exhibit opening is Thursday, May 24 from 4-6 p.m. The public isinvited to attend.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.