Fine Arts Students Use Art to Build Global Connections

May 6, 2025

Fourteen Fine Arts students have finished their portraits for this spring’s “Memory Project” and they are currently on their way to children in Malawi.

The Memory Project is a nonprofit organization that 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, and extreme poverty.

Ben Schumaker started the Memory Project in 2004 when he was a student at the University of Wisconsin. “I was passionate about connecting youth around the world through art to help build cultural understanding and international kindness.  Today I continue to be inspired by all of the art teachers and students who bring their own passions to these collaborative efforts.”

Sue Cranston, Art Teacher at CDH, has been doing this with her students for 9 years. See the Memory Project Website for the latest videos of students receiving portraits.

The following students participated in this spring’s Memory Project:

• Annie McMahon'26
• Bryn McSherry'26
• Eleanor Henningsgard '28
• Elisabeth Nobrega '28
•  Jordin Rosga ’28
• Kate Stenberg '26
• Lila Fulton '28
• Lilian Lien '28
• Lupe Fruean '25
• Mariah Zafke '28
• Pricilla Mitschi '25
• Savannah Larson '28
• Shalom Taddese '28
• Xinyue (Luna) Cui '25