Smiles in Color Nonprofit Organization 501(C)(3)

 I’m Iris Mo and I’m in 11th grade. I’ve been learning art since very little, and through many years of volunteering and tutoring, I've encountered many different kids. I found that they like pretty colors and cute pictures, and all have a favorite character. 

We're a group of art-loving teens, we're willing to use our paintbrushes and passion to ignite more kids' dreams and imaginations. 

We want to see more smiles on children’s faces and listen to them talk about their joys and struggles.

I am also a Yale Young Global Scholars Alumni Ambassador and would like to share this summer program I love with you:

 Welcome | Yale Young Global Scholars 

 My name is Anni Dai. I am currently a high school sophomore. I started taking art lessons very young, and developed a love for it. This love has stuck with me all the way till now. I also heavily enjoy humanities, classics, and liberal arts. 

Me and Iris, the cofounders of Smiles In Color, started off our journey in an event for the Chinese New Year. There, I saw that what we do can not only bring so much happiness to families and children of all different backgrounds. 

As the current vice president, it is my goal to continue to attend, organize, and even host events that might inspire people. I want to use our influence in this community to connect people of different backgrounds and teach those interested how to do the same through art.

  Hello, I am Daniel Van Pelt. I am in the 9th grade. For a majority of my life, I have learned and loved acrylic and oil painting. I also have a deep interest in stem based activities, such as coding and computer science. I am now assuming a role as a director and tech manager for Smile for Color. I am looking forward to helping out this cause, and making connections to new people. I believe the joy we bring to kids is priceless, and it brings me joy as well. I have worked in leadership roles, through scouting and managing other activities. By developing and managing this website, I want to spread our organization wide, and bring happiness to as many children as I can. 

  My name is Irene Cao, I'm 19 years old and i have a deep love for arts of many hobbies, from painting, sculpting, miniatures and many more, i strive to continue learning more forms of genuine art as i enjoy creating new things from the stories in my kind. i went to Milwaukee institute of art and design for a year as i wanted to continue to learn, but ive come to realize that it doesnt teach me the many things that i would be able to learn on my own through people. Though i tend to keep to myself, i am also trying my best on learning to become social, as I want to teach others the many things i learned through the years.

 My name is Dharanishree Dwarakanath, and I’m 14 years old. I'm a creative person with a passion for exploring various hobbies. Whether it’s painting, crocheting, or drawing, I love working through challenges I face while learning through them. Dancing also brings me joy, allowing me to express myself through movement. I’m constantly learning and discovering new things, always eager to expand my knowledge. When I’m not engaged in creative activities, you’ll find me finding inspiration or shopping for new clothes or materials. My diverse interests help me reach and connect with others through art.

  I am Melanie He, and I’m in 10th grade. Over nine years of studying art, I've come to appreciate the things I learn from each experience —whether I'm perfecting a brushstroke, racing on the track, or crafting arguments in debate. But nothing has taught me to embrace the joy of imperfection quite like face painting: the glitter spills, the vibrant colors, and the laughter it sparks. Being part of Smiles in Color allows me to share my passion and make a positive impact on my community, one smile (and face) at a time!

 Hi! I am Ching Yin Cheng; I'm 14 years old and currently in 9th grade. I've been learning art for over five years now. I enjoy painting and creating all kinds of art.  Making art is one of my favorite hobbies because it brings me happiness and joy. Through " Smile in Color," I've seen so many smiles and laughter, and I hope I can bring that same happiness to others through this organization.  That's why I decided to be a part of "Smile in Color"!

 My name is Aarya Devali, and I’m a junior at RHS. I’v been learning painting since I was in middle school and experiencing new things with art. I enjoy taking part in Smiles in Color as it lets me meet new people and bring joy to children’s faces! As director, I hope to spread more joy and organize events for our organization to paint more faces and even allow kids to learn the skills to spread smiles themselves. 

  My name is Alice, I am 14 years old and in eighth grade. I spend a lot of my time listening to audiobooks and dancing, or drawing during school when I need some free time or a break. I often doodle in my notebooks. I also love dancing, I’ve been dancing for around two years, but did figure skating before, I really enjoy all forms of art. I have a older brother and a dog named butter. I’ve even dedicated some of my paintings to him. When I am face painting, I feel pure joy because I know I am brightening someone’s day and making someone else happy by the art I do. Face painting also allows me to talk to other people and let me learn a lot of skills such as patience and kindness. Face painting makes me happy and others too, and that’s why I do it.

 I am Angelina Sun ,I started art 7 years ago when I was in kindergarten. Over the years I’ve learned to love art. I’ve met so many new and amazing people in art and it’s been so fun. We face paint in all sorts of activities and it’s the best. Face painting on people is so much different than painting on a canvas. It opens a door to let me join among people in different culture background. Seeing the smiles on kids and adults really makes my day. 

  My name is Kevin Li, and I am in the 9th grade. I am interested in becoming a director for the Smiles in Color organization because of my desire for leadership and my passion for art. I have always been interested in art since I was very young, and I have cultivated that interest by attending classes and competing in contests. Now, as a high schooler, I feel that I should help my community with my skills by assuming a leadership role. So far, I haven’t had any substantial experience in leadership, nor do I have much volunteering hours. But I think that this would be a great opportunity for me to practice some essential skills and for me to help other people.