Sarah Katherine Harris

Sarah Katherine Harris

Sarah Katherine Harris is a 17-year-old junior at Deerfield-Windsor School who is raising funds for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital through the sale of her paintings of crosses. Click on "read more" below right to read more about Sarah.

My name is Sarah Katherine Harris and I am 17 years old. I have grown up in Albany, Ga., where I am a junior at Deerfield-Windsor School. I am involved in the art program there, and I will be going into AP art next year as a senior. I am a member in the National Art Honor Society and the Teen Art Board at the AMA!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have started a non-profit fundraiser called Crosses 4 The Courageous. I am selling hand-painted crosses, and 100% of the profits go directly to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany. Giving back to my community is very important to me. I wanted to serve my community while doing something that I was passionate about at the same time. Not only do I love art, but I think a cross is a perfect representation for this time. My faith is important to me as well. 

Although I am inspired by other artists and their cross paintings, I came up with this project on my own. I sell a variety of colors and designs. I have been doing this project for about two weeks now, and I am selling my work through Instagram and my Facebook. I use 6x6 square and 3x12 tall canvases for my work.

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The combination of my faith and art inspired me to create this project, Crosses 4 The Courageous, that honors the many workers on the front line in our healthcare system. I have always loved art and painting my entire life. However, my junior year I have become increasingly involved in art. Being on the Teen Art Board of Albany has given me an outlet to express myself with other high school girls around my community. I figured there was no better way to express myself and serve the community than with art. For the cross aspect, my faith has always been important to me. Leaning into faith and trusting the Lord is the best way to get through these difficult times.
 
Although I miss my friends, school and extracurricular activities, I am trying to stay positive during this pandemic. Along with leaning into my faith, I have tried to stay busy during quarantine. I see this break in life as a time for me to grow and try to be successful, rather than sit around and look at what life could be right now. This break has shown me, personally, to make the best out of any situation. 

I keep mentally healthy during these times by painting and running. Although art is one of my biggest passions, I love to play sports as well. Without the presence of soccer in my life, I have chosen to start preparing for my senior cross-country season. Running is the best way to relieve stress, especially during these times! Moreover, I have been painting to relieve stress. Not only has this project has been an outlet for me to express myself and give back, but it has also relieved me the stress of this time.
 
My advice for people my age who want to help the community is to go for it! It can sometimes seem scary to put yourself out there. When I know I am helping my community, I am happy that I decided to start this project. I also encourage people to use their talents to give back.
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When social distancing is over, the first thing I am going to do is see all of my friends! Moreover, I am excited to meet with my friends from Teen Art Board again—in person, not over Zoom, that is! I am excited to plan events for our 2020-21 year, especially our Teen Art Prom. It was postponed because of the pandemic.

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