POST FALLS - The Memory Project is a portrait of kindness.

Post Falls High advanced art students recently completed the project in which portraits of orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged children from around the world are created and sent to them as special gifts.

"We wanted to bless them with something that they can treasure from their childhood," PFHS student Katie Faulkner said.

The portraits are part of the first Post Falls High Art Show at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center that runs weekdays through March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students this year created more than 30 portraits of Indonesian students for the Memory Project. In the past, students from the Philippines and Haiti were featured.

Art students get a photo of the children with their portraits, which include drawings, paintings and graphic design.

"Given that kids who have been orphaned or neglected usually have few personal keepsakes, the purpose of the portraits is to provide them with a special memory of their youth, to honor their heritage and identity and to help them build a positive self-image," said teacher Michele Chmielewski.

"We want to help the kids see themselves as works of art."

The intent of the project is to inspire global friendship and a positive self-image.

"My students love doing this and feel great honor creating something for someone who has much less than they do," Chmielewski said.

Last year, the Haitian girl that Faulkner did a portrait of was so young that she didn't have all of her teeth. But, by the time Faulkner got a photo of the girl with her portrait back, she had a wide grin showing all of her teeth.

"The smile on her face almost brought me to tears," Faulkner said.

Faulkner said that, in many countries, a self-portrait is a luxury item.

"These children in orphanages would never be able to get a portrait if it wasn't for the Memory Project," Faulkner said.

PFHS student Nicole Mashek said the project is touching.

"I really like the fact that we're connecting with kids who are going through hard times," she said. "The most exciting part is seeing their faces when they get it."

Benjamin Schumaker, executive director of the nationwide Memory Project, called past portraits from PFHS "stunning" and gifts that will last a lifetime.

"It is clear that the students received excellent instruction to create artwork of such a high caliber," Schumaker said. "The youth in Indonesia who will receive these new works of art will value them tremendously."

The children will receive the portraits in March after the art show.

The PFHS art program is looking for donations to assist with the Memory Project in the future. The shipping costs are $15 each.

The show, which will feature more than 200 pieces of art by more than 60 students, will also include pottery, scratchboards, sculptures, mixed media watercolors and acrylics.

"The students have worked hard and it shows," Chmielewski said.