The sharp smell of acrylic paint. The humming sound of murmuring chitchat. The gentle clink of hardened clay. All contained in a corner room of Schindler Education Center where something immense but subtle is happening. 

The student-run organization, Art for El Salvador, continues in its third year at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Founded by current student Maria Howard and her sisters, Niah and Sarah, the non-profit organization started as a way to help a community in El Salvador, Caserio Mediagua. 

According to Maria Howard, elementary education major, Art for El Salvador cooperates with Caserio Mediagua to help build and renovate schools with the funds raised, and the community itself decides where those funds go. 

The community is invested in having their children continue their education, and it was agreed that schools were the top priority. Last year, the project raised 27 thousand dollars to build a junior high school, focusing on grades seven through nine. This year, the organization focuses on renovating the existing kindergarten through sixth grade school. 

Howard’s passion shines, drawing many people to the cause. Denise Tallakson, UNI instructor of elementary and literacy education, says that she was equally inspired by Howard’s passion. Tallakson’s own participation comes from her belief that art of all kinds, from dance to painting, can be used as a service to mankind. 

“You get out of it as much as you give,” Tallakson said.

Art for El Salvador takes this belief and proves it. Along with their many other events occurring throughout the year, the upcoming third annual art auction hosted by Art for El Salvador, Art for the Heart, allows for more participation from the student body. On Feb. 8 in Maucker Union from 2-6 p.m., students will be able to listen to live music, make arts and crafts and bid on art created by UNI students. 

The proceeds from Art from the Heart will go to Caserio Mediagua. 

In May, many of the close participants in Art for El Salvador will visit the community in order to see the effects of their work. 

“It takes the experience to a whole new level when you have a relationship with [the community],” Howard said. 

Art for El Salvador hosts a monthly art night where any student can show up, grab some art supplies and create works that will be donated for the cause. Times and locations of these events are posted on their Facebook page. 

Senior psychology major Kaimi Mattila, who will be taking over as head of Art for El Salvador at UNI, started out attending this monthly art night, which she feels combines many important qualities of a student organization: art, friends and most importantly, a good cause. But you don’t have to be an artist to help or to attend. 

“It’s about a lot more than just making art. You just have to have a passion for helping people,” Howard said.