Painting With A Purpose

by Arsh Pal

Since I was little, my mom has always encouraged me to be creative, explore different skills like writing, drawing, coloring, karate, theater, gymnastic etc. I used to work with watercolor and was getting better at it. My mom and my aunt (they both are very creative) got me canvases and acrylic paint on my 8th birthday and encouraged me to paint on canvas. I started giving paintings away to family and friends as gifts.

During that time I used to go with my mom to her work sometimes, as I was always curious to see her workplace. She works as an occupational therapist in a nursing home and was working with older adults. I observed lot of people going through difficulties/pain/loneliness when they are suffering from any mental/physical illness.

One day I expressed my willingness to sell my paintings to Mom and Dad. They supported me but gave me suggestions to use the money after selling the painting to help someone who is in need, rather than using it to buy electronic device/games. Then we researched for a charity or organization to support. St Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the first organization I picked, as it runs on 100% donation.

I sold my first painting to my piano teacher for $10, then started selling to close family and friends. I set a goal for $1000 initially, which many thought was an unrealistic goal. But I continued to work towards my goal.

I continued to learn painting techniques from my mother, and online videos. Then I had my first art display at my school and sold many paintings. In less than one year I reached my goal and was able to make my first donation to St. Jude.

I was then invited to teach painting lessons at the nursing home where my mother works at. My whole family goes along with me and volunteers their time when I'm teaching painting lessons to residents/older adults in nursing home. THE SMILE you get to see on their faces during the session, just brings the Joy, happiness and feeling of satisfaction.

Afterwards, I started having many art displays at public libraries, nursing homes, art galleries and I continued to donate to different charities like Compass to Care, Make a Wish, River View Center, Easter Seals, etc. I have donated many of my paintings to raise funds by auctioning them during various events organized by these charities. As a result, I was nominated as one of the top 20 and awarded as one of the top 10 "Movers, shakers and news makers" from the Dubuque chamber of commerce in Dubuque, Iowa.

Many family members and friends have approached me for learning painting lessons /conducting paint parties or have asked for custom painting of their choice and this is another way I have raised my funds for charities. I am a member of Be The Voice (Based in Atlanta, Georgia) organization where my story will be shared in 50+ schools this fall.

When I first started this journey of painting, I never expected to sell as many to achieve my goal of raising $1000. But with the help of family, friends & the community, I was able to achieve the goal in less time than anticipated. When I went to St Jude to donate the money, I was happy to contribute the money to a good cause. The feeling of happiness that I have contributed to someone's pain, not directly, but indirectly, so parents don’t have to worry about paying the bills for the treatment of their kids, rather they can spend quality time and take care of their sick kid. I feel delighted and satisfied to be able to contribute my skills and time to fulfill someone's wishes. I hope to continue my journey of supporting people who are in need through my skills and time.