Samuel Knauf is a Northwood senior doing art for his Peak Pathway this year. He started getting into art last year in a class with Mrs. Van Slyke. Sam says, “When I came in here last year, I started to paint using oil with the help of Mrs. Van Slyke. Last year was my first time getting into art, and painting,” he added. “It’s very calming to paint. After a long day of schoolwork, I come and paint. It’s quiet, and it’s just time by myself, and that’s why I like it.”
Sam Knauf ’24 with some of his portraits at the Celebration of the Arts event earlier this month.
As part of his Peak Pathway, Samuel is currently painting portraits of faculty members’ children. “Portraits are my current forte, and the idea to paint faculty’s children and collect donations was suggested by Mrs. Van Slyke,” he shared. All the proceeds from his project are dedicated to supporting refugees from Thailand. The funds will be sent to Albany, a city with a significant refugee community. As a former refugee, Sam understands the dire need for support in such communities.
Sam works on his project during E period, which is a very busy class in the art studio, with kids always busy working, and things usually get very loud. Mrs. Vanslyke says, “Sam sits by himself on the other side of the room and is very focused and nothing seems to bother him. He lets the whole world go by and he concentrates fully on his painting when he’s here.”
As Samuel nears the completion of his project, his aspirations are clear-to bring joy to people through his art, to see the faculty delighted with their portraits, and to further hone his painting skills. Looking ahead, Samuel envisions a future in college where he can continue his artistic journey, expand his skills, and most importantly, continue his philanthropic efforts to support the refugee community.