Students Create Art and Connection Through the Memory Project

For eight years, students at Ames High School have been inspired to use their artistic talents to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Under the guidance of art teacher Lindsay Wede, these young artists participate annually in the Memory Project, a global initiative that fosters intercultural understanding and kindness through the creation of personal portraits. This year, Ames High students crafted heartfelt artwork for children in Honduras, aiming to provide not only beautiful, hand-crafted portraits but also a sense of connection, hope, and recognition.

The Memory Project, founded in 2004, has involved over 320,000 youth in 57 countries in its school-based programs. Its mission is to promote empathy and understanding between children from different cultures by encouraging youth to create and exchange art. Through this project, Ames High students have an opportunity to connect with children in challenging circumstances, offering them something deeply personal: a portrait uniquely created just for them.

A Tradition of Kindness and Growth

Lindsay Wede, who has championed the project at Ames High for nearly a decade, sees its value not just in the beautiful artwork created but in the life lessons imparted to her students.

“I want them to understand that they’re going to be citizens and that they should think of others,” Wede explains. “When they create these portraits, they step outside of themselves. They look at another human being who may not have the privileges they do. It’s a humbling and rewarding experience.”

Wede has witnessed how the project fosters growth and reflection among her students. “Whenever they do the Memory Project, it takes them back and helps them think about their fellow human beings, wherever they may be,” she adds. “It reminds them that our world is small and interconnected, and that even a simple act of kindness, like creating a portrait, can have a big impact.”

Art with a Purpose

For the students involved, the project represents much more than an art assignment. It’s an opportunity to use their talents for a meaningful cause. Sophomore Juniper Marshall notes, “It helps connect us to the rest of the globe and shows how our art can matter to people beyond ourselves.”

Marshall also shares how the project inspires a deeper sense of purpose in her work. “There’s a kid I wanted to impress to feel happy with my art,” she says. “That pushed me to try harder.”

For senior Grace Hopkins, the hope is that the portraits help the children feel seen and valued. “These kids are in disenfranchised situations, and I hope the portraits raise awareness about their struggles,” she explains. “But more than that, I hope the children feel recognized and appreciated as individuals.”

Similarly, junior Julia Fuerst emphasizes the importance of making the portraits personal. “I want them to feel special and seen,” she says. “Some kids might not have pictures or anything made specifically for them. This is something just for them.”

Skills and Growth Through Art

The Memory Project also serves as an incredible learning opportunity for the student artists. From mastering techniques to experimenting with colors, the project allows them to hone their craft while working on meaningful art.

Sophomore Ella Grail shares, “It’s helped me develop my portrait skills, especially with creating more realistic images and working with colored pencils.”

For sophomore Erin Cho, the project was an opportunity to expand her digital drawing skills. “I practiced my digital drawing skills,” She said. “I usually don’t do portraits, but this is a journey of learning how to draw and use shapes and different kinds of colors to make it look realistic.”

Senior Fikir Aklilu agrees, noting that the project encouraged her to experiment with portraits. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at that through the memory project and also playing around and experimenting with colors,” she explains, “especially if the child I’m drawing has a specific color, I might try to make it realistic, but also incorporate that into the artwork.”

A Gift of Hope

Beyond technical skills, Ames High students hope their art brings joy and inspiration to the children receiving the portraits. Senior Heidi Niesen highlights the lasting impact of handmade art. “With paintings, you kind of have something more lasting,” she says.

Junior Adalyn McKeag reflects on the deeper emotional significance of the project. “I want these children to know that someone cared enough to make something just for them,” she says. “In tough situations, it’s often about the family’s survival as a whole, and individual children might feel overlooked. I hope these portraits remind them that they matter as individuals.”

Sharing the Impact

Before the portraits are sent to Honduras, they will be displayed at the Ames Public Library through January, offering the local community an opportunity to witness the incredible talent and compassion of Ames High students. The display not only showcases the beauty of the portraits but also highlights the powerful message behind them: that art can be a bridge between worlds, a means of connection and kindness.

Through their participation in the Memory Project, Ames High artists are creating more than portraits; they are creating hope, recognition, and a sense of shared humanity. As Wede aptly puts it, “This project reminds us all that homemade gifts matter. When someone takes the time to make something for you, it means the world. It’s great.”

Ames High students participating in the Memory Project exemplify the diverse and meaningful opportunities available at their school, where creativity and compassion come together to make a difference. Through this unique initiative, these young artists have not only practiced their artistic talents but also embraced the chance to connect with others across the globe, demonstrating empathy and kindness in action. By using art as a tool for change and connection, Ames High students continue to embody the transformative power of creativity and the profound impact of reaching out to others with care and generosity. Their efforts remind us all of the importance of community, both near and far, and the extraordinary difference that thoughtful gestures can make in the world.