Teen artist Natalia Antaki has family in Beirut, so she was moved to action when a series of warehouse explosions rocked Lebanon’s capital city on August 4.
The Academy of the Holy Angels sophomore established paintingforlebanon and began to promote her project on Instagram.
Those who contribute to the Lebanese Red Cross are invited to send Antaki a direct message with proof of their donation. Depending on the amount of the contribution, Antaki will create a small, medium, or large painting in watercolor, acrylic, or oil.
Her goal is to raise funds for the Lebanese Red Cross and promote awareness about the situation in Lebanon so more people will be inspired to send support. She has already encouraged $525 in donations and will soon have completed 27 paintings.
Antaki’s father and his family were born and raised in Beirut, and some of her family members still live in the area where the blasts occurred.
“My family (members) still living in Lebanon where the explosions occurred were affected, and I wanted to help in some way with everything going on in the country, predominantly in the capital,” Antaki said.
The August disaster, which included a large initial explosion, several small blasts, and a final devastating explosion, killed nearly 200 people and injured approximately 6,500. Thousands of people were left homeless due to the extensive damage. Beforehand, Lebanon was already deeply affected by an economic crisis, daily power cuts, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Antaki considered how she could help, she turned to art.
“I've loved to paint and draw for almost my entire life,” said Antaki, who pursues honors and high honors courses at Holy Angels.
Antaki is a resident of Franklin Lakes. She is involved in a variety of activities, including Model United Nations, Projects for Change, and Middle Ground. She also participates in the theater program at Don Bosco Preparatory High School.