The smell of paint, smudged colors on rolled up sleeves, and an environment filled with creativity, passion and drive. A place where self-expression blossoms far beyond the classroom.

This is the National Art Honors Society (NAHS).

NAHS is an honors society at school that celebrates visual arts. This program provides opportunities for art-lovers to get out of the art room, and impact their community through service projects.

NAHS doesn’t accept just anyone. Only students with an average of 93 percent or higher in art can join. NAHS also has a five-hour service requirement for each member to complete throughout the year.

NAHS members said they are determined to better the school through visual arts.

From painting children’s faces at football games to painting murals in the health hallway and drawing chalk portraits on the path into the stadium, NAHS always finds a way to give back to the school

Every third Wednesday of each month, NAHS members meet to discuss ways to serve the community. Senior Lauren Dingmann, the group’s “hours coordinator” is in charge of looking for opportunities around the community for NAHS to get involved.

Art teacher Natalie Hudson said she recognizes the importance of the program and the group’s potential for bettering their community.

“It’s an opportunity for kids who excel in this setting to showcase their skills and thrive in this environment,” said Hudson.  

One charity drive NAHS undertakes is called “Beloved.” NAHS students collect toiletries and other products for women who have been victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse.

NAHS also plans to complete a project this year, in which students draw portraits of orphan children who don’t have any photographs of themselves.

“I love being a part of a group of people with a shared passion,” said senior and NAHS Vice President Nicole Harris.

NAHS has been a club since the school opened, and senior Grace Johnston has been an active member for three years. Johnston is now the Co-captain of the group and served as the events coordinator last year.

She said she loves the opportunities the club provides for students to get out of school and impact the community. She also enjoys how NAHS gives members the opportunity to use their skills in a productive way.

Johnston said she sees a bright future for the program and hopes to see it grow to a much wider audience, not just art students.

“I want NAHS to be a club where the whole school can be involved and anyone who’s creative or freethinking could join,” she said.

This year is junior Amy Laik’s first time as a member of NAHS, and she’s ready to put her art skills to the test outside of school.

“This is a new exciting opportunity to enrich the community with art. I’m ready for this,” said Laik.

Laik said she hopes to become a better artist and broaden her social skills through NAHS.

“This is a club to get people involved and bring people together. I can’t wait to grow even more this year as an artist, and NAHS is going to help me get there,” said Laik.