Memory Project Uses Art to Connect People

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"Art is the best way to say the things that words can't," said Granada High School senior Chance Owens.

Chance was one of 13 Granada Art Club members who last week completed portraits for the Memory Project.

Founded in 2004, the Memory Project matches art students with children and teens around the world who are orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged. Using photographs, artists choose a medium (such as drawing, painting, digital art or collage) to create a keepsake portrait for the child.

"I didn't just want to draw a portrait, I wanted to embed it with what all kids should have - a sense of hope and love," said Frances Carcellar. "When you spend a good deal of your time drawing a certain person, especially focusing on their facial features, you feel as if you actually know them. That aspect added a little extra love in all of the portraits."

Given that orphaned children have few personal keepsakes, the Memory Project strives to provide them with special mementos that capture a piece of their childhood, and to help the kids see themselves as works of art.

"I thought the portraits were a great idea and seeing the cute faces we were to choose from only got me more excited," said Jen Hoang. "Because I was able to work with my peers and was constantly given encouragement and advice, no part of this project was challenging. The positives of the project allowed me to work with enjoyment rather than worry."

Several of the artists were concerned, however, with creating a portrait worthy of being cherished.

"The most challenging thing as I was drawing, was asking how to improve the portrait," said Bailey Ye.

"Since I've drawn few portraits, I tried five times with this, wanting the kid to be happy when he sees a more realistic portrait of himself."

Once completed, portraits are delivered to the orphans as gifts. Photos are taken with the children holding their likenesses and shared with the artists.

The Granada Art Club, which meets twice a week during lunch, is led by art teacher Laura Thournir.

"The Memory Project aims to provide both orphans and artists with a personal connection as well as capturing a moment in a young child's life," said Thournir. "I hope the Granada students appreciate all that they have by being a citizen of Livermore, California, and experience compassion for children who do not have families, homes, or the opportunities that we sometimes take for granted."

Frances stated, "Art has definitely been an outlet for me that has made me so appreciative of things. Art isn't something that is useless; it's all around us in advertising, movies, music and books. It's like a language that people from all across the globe can universally understand."

The processing fee of $15 per photo was funded by the Granada High Interact Club for each of the two years that the art club has participated. A portion of that fee goes to the orphanage.

Yet the project's true aim is to touch the children's lives in an artistic, memorable way.

"I would tell my orphan," said Jen, "how beautiful I think she is and how I thoroughly enjoyed drawing her."

Added Frances, "I'd tell mine that whenever he looks at his portrait to know that someone from all the way across the world is cheering for him."