My name is Ben, and I started the Memory Project as a university student in 2004.  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.
 

The Memory Project gets its name from its first intention, which was to provide handmade, heartfelt portraits as special memories to children in orphanages.  Now our intention has expanded to touching the lives of youth around the world facing many types of challenges, while opening our hearts and minds so they can touch ours in return.

 

Together we are using art to reach a distant destination: a kinder world in which all youth see themselves in one another regardless of differences in their appearance, culture, religion, or circumstances.  For all who believe in that kinder world on the horizon, it is impossible to turn around.  We hope you will join us.

 

- Ben Schumaker