Sophomore Katelyn Chau Starts Non-Profit
September 28, 2017
Photo Credit: Mei Lamison/Achona Online
“Like I have told you before, art has become a part of me. Art defines the person I am,” says Chau.
In addition to her sports practices, club meetings, and full schedule, sophomore Katelyn Chau (‘20) has also started an art-related nonprofit called The Palette Project. The nonprofit combines student’s creativity and artwork with various volunteering projects.
Chau said, “We are a non-profit student-led club, that combines art with service to better the community.”
The club will work on different projects with various organizations over the year. They plan on making and selling bracelets then donating their profit from the bracelets to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Chau has always had a passion for art. For as long as she could remember, she always had a pencil, pen, or paintbrush in her hand.
Katyeln (left) was five years old when the photo was taken.
“Whether it was through messily playing with Playdoh, doodling flowers and trees with my sister, or making paintings with watercolors in art class, art was always a part of me,” says Chau.
Through Academy’s art program, Chau has been able to take 2-D art I, painting, drawing, and 2-D art II. All of these classes have only encouraged her to grow her club.
“I’ve always have felt the need to give back for the things art has given me. It has changed me and influenced me so much throughout my life.”
Chau has been planning The Palette Project since early this summer.
However, her love for art alone was not the only inspiration she had. Chau’s close friend and former Academy student Lizzie Dolan also encouraged her. Together they worked on future ideas and plans for the non-profit.
“Lizzie Dolan was a big inspiration to me. Her humbleness and devotion to her service and volunteer work influenced me heavily to start the project. She truly has a heart of gold.”
Lizzie Dolan now attends Yale University.
Chau also said that Dolan’s non-profit Cross Out Cancer, also pushed her to start her own.
On Wednesday, Sept. 27, the project had its first event. Members worked with Academy’s elementary school, helping them prepare for their community service day. The club cut and folded blankets that would later be donated.
Committee member Sofia Tweed (‘20) said, “I felt accomplished to help the elementary school, and it makes me very happy to know the blankets we made will benefit others.”
Together Sophia Montero (left) and Sofia Tweed (right) prepared 16 blankets.
Casey Martin (‘20) making blankets for the first time.
The club currently has six members, yet they plan to expand. Their goal for the year is to gain new members, work with other organizations, and connect with school clubs.
Although it is an art based club, students do not need to have any artistic experience to sign up.
Tweed said, “Even if you have no past experience with art, like me, you are welcomed join. The club isn’t just about art, it’s about helping our community.”
Sofia Tweed has been involved in The Palette Project since July.
Any further information about the club will be posted around school and sent out in an email later this week.
service with heART ❥
— The Palette Project (@PaletteProj) September 23, 2017