By Carrie Brooker
The opening of Project Joy in the Middleton High School Art Gallery on Jan. 8 celebrated students’ works from two projects: The Memory Project and The Petal Project. Both are service-centered art initiatives with a focus on creating art that brings joy to others.
Art teacher Peter Ludt said Middleton High School students have created more than 1,000 portraits for children around the globe as part of The Memory Project.
The initiative connects high school art students with children in 57 countries through handmade portrait gifts. Students study photos of children in orphanages, refugee camps and conflict zones, creating personalized artwork that becomes a meaningful keepsake.
It was founded by Middleton High School alum Ben Schumaker in 2004, who has partnered with several Middleton High School art teachers over the years. Schumaker attended the opening along with his parents.
Former art teacher Bob Elland was the first Middleton High School teacher to partner with Schumaker on the project. When Elland retired, art teacher Peter Ludt took over.
Now art teacher Abby Otteson and her Advanced Art students are involved. Their artwork is featured in Project Joy.
“When I took over teaching Advanced Art five years ago, The Memory Project was already a well-loved, time-tested experience for our students,” Otteson said. “It continues to stand as one of their favorite projects to participate in.”
Otteson shared what The Memory Project tradition means for students in their journeys as artists.
“What makes this project so impactful is how it shifts students’ focus toward creating work that is meaningful for someone else, rather than for themselves,” Otteson said. “This change in perspective helps them reconsider how art can be perceived and the role it can play in connecting people. For our students to learn about other cultures and 'spend time' with someone of a different background than their own can help to widen their understanding of the world and their place in it.”
She said the project builds connections between her students and their subjects.
“There is a powerful motivation that comes from wanting to do right by their child, knowing that the 10+ hours students spend observing, studying, and getting to know their child from afar will ultimately be gifted to them,” Otteson said.
Otteson and her students were featured in an episode of Wisconsin Life on PBS Wisconsin for their work. Their portraits in the art gallery will be sent to children in Honduras following the exhibition.
Project Joy also included works from The Petal Project, which Middleton High School art teachers introduced last year to continue this spirit of giving.
Students created flower bouquets using clay, paper, and fiber materials for local hospital cancer units. As cancer patients often cannot receive real flowers due to immune system concerns, handmade bouquets are a safe alternative.
“I started it as a companion project to The Memory Project in spring of 2025,” Otteson said. “Advanced Art used to be only for our Drawing and Painting students. Now that we are also taking in ceramic and sculpture students, it made sense to have a 3D project with the same sense of giving back to a community.”
Otteson said Advanced Art students can choose which project to participate in.
“I often find that the students who chose to make these non-traditional bouquets may have a tie to the intent behind the project – bringing a bit of joy to those battling cancer,” Otteson said. “It is not uncommon for a student to know someone who has had or currently has cancer.”
The bouquets in Project Joy will be donated to St. Mary's Hospital in Madison following the exhibition.
Otteson explained why it’s important for students to work on projects that involve a spirit of giving.
“These projects encourage students to slow down and be thoughtful, recognizing that their work has the power to impact someone else’s life, even in a small way,” Otteson said. “The act of giving shifts their motivation from simply completing an assignment to honoring a real person and their story. In doing so, students begin to see art as a means of connection, kindness, and service.”