Four Great Valley High Schools pose with the artwork they created for The Memory Project.
National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students at Great Valley High School are bringing joy across continents through their participation in The Memory Project, creating personalized portraits for children and teens in Armenia who face significant challenges and hardships.
The Memory Project is an international organization that connects young artists with children around the world who are orphaned, living in war-torn regions, or experiencing other difficult circumstances. Through thoughtfully crafted portraits, students offer these children a reminder that they are seen, valued, and remembered.
Great Valley NAHS students completed their artwork in early December, ensuring that it arrived in time to be hand-delivered to the children in Armenia. Each young recipient provided information about their favorite things, which the Great Valley students incorporated into the portraits, creating deeply personal and meaningful works of art.
“The Memory Project is a way for our students to use their talents to bring joy to another child,” said Jessica Stanhagen, Great Valley art teacher. “In a world with so much division, this project unifies and brings our students closer to those in another country. This isn’t just an ‘assignment’ but an act of service. My hope is that each GV student who participates understands the magnitude of a single act of kindness.”
The commitment required from students is substantial. Each portrait, created through a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, or digital media, takes upwards of eight hours to complete. Students balance this intensive creative work alongside their academic courses, sports, jobs, and family obligations.
“I am proud of the students for giving so much of their time and energy to create these portraits,” Stanhagen added. “Their reward is the hope that their hard work brings happiness to another. I am proud that our students are willing to put in so much effort for such an intangible honor.”
For the student artists, the project creates a profound connection that transcends geographical boundaries. Tanisha, a 12th grade student, reflected on the experience: “It’s really meaningful because you’re connected to this person and you get to know them; we’re so far but still connected.”
The Memory Project has delivered over 250,000 portraits to children in more than 40 countries since its founding. By participating, Great Valley students join a global community of young artists using their skills to make a difference in the lives of children facing adversity.
