A Lasting Impact: How one Holland Center teen paid it forward for future generations of young artists

Stella Chamoff is passionate about the arts. She fondly recalls performing “Les Misérables” and “Thirteen the Musical” through Desert Foothills Theater—one of The Holland Center’s signature programs. And when asked where she would donate $100 to if given the chance, she said, “I would give to underprivileged youth to experience fine arts because the arts are very important.”

It’s this heart that inspired Stella to expand youth art opportunities at The Holland Center with the installation of a Youth Art Gallery—her choice for fulfilling her Eagle Scout Project requirement.

She said, “When I was planning my Eagle Project I knew I wanted to give back to The Holland Center because it was such an influential place for me, and the community there is so welcoming.

As a youth leader, I want to provide opportunities to other teens in my community to express their art. It breaks my heart that funding for the arts is the first thing to be cut, so this project is my contribution to support youth arts and creativity.”

The project presented an opportunity for Stella to apply a variety of skills. She wrote a grant proposal to Kiwanis for securing funds. She researched the type of gallery tracks needed to match the tracks in other rooms at The Holland Center. And she led a team of other girls in her Scout troop to help complete project tasks.

Stella also used her problem-solving skills.”The most difficult part of the project was unexpected complications on the day of the installation,” she said. “The studs in the wall were made of metal, not wood, so we did not have the correct materials to drill into it. At first I was overwhelmed, but then I used my team as support and we brainstormed a solution.”

The Holland Center celebrated completion of the project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. “It felt like I had created something much bigger than myself. Seeing the artists bring the gallery to life was inspiring,” said Stella.

The gallery, located in Mesquite Studio, currently exhibits student artwork from Cactus Shadows High School Advance Placement (AP) art.

“We are incredibly proud of our AP Art students’ showcase,” said Bill Dolezal, District Superintendent. “Their exceptional art as well as their design of the overall showcase was quite impressive. Thank you to the Holland Center for hosting, and we look forward to future art shows to come.”

Stella sees the benefits clearly: “The gallery will bring attention to the talent of youth artists, and gives student artists the opportunity to showcase and even sell their artwork. Their art will be showcased in The Holland Center alongside many professional artists which gives them credibility and boosts their resume. Also, if arts funding gets cut in schools, The Holland Center will be able to offer a place for these artists to showcase their talents outside of school.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Thank you, Stella, for choosing The Holland Center to advance youth arts for decades to come.