A young artist from Chicago is using his passion for painting to make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. For seven years, 14-year-old Arsh Pal has sold his artwork to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Arsh’s artistic journey began on his eighth birthday when he received acrylic painting supplies as a gift. He quickly developed a love for the medium, drawing inspiration from nature and the world around him.  His talent was further nurtured by the vibrant downtown murals near his former home in Dubuque, Iowa. Eventually, his family relocated to Chicago.

One day, while accompanying his mother, an occupational therapist, to work at a nursing home, Arsh led the residents in a painting tutorial. He noticed how the simple act of painting brought them joy and realized that despite their age, they shared the same desire for connection and fun that he did. 

This experience left a lasting impression on Arsh and inspired him to use his art to help others.  He saw that sometimes the residents were hurting and lonely. “We can all be learning the same simple thing, like a mountain or a cloud, and the activity makes us happy,” said Arsh.  

This realization motivated him to use his talents to help someone else who was hurting. For the past seven years, Arsh has been selling his artwork to raise funds for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, amounting to $1000 donations every year. 

This year, however, he decided to embark on a larger fundraising effort. With the help of his mother, who manages his social media accounts and handles logistical aspects, Arsh has taken virtual marketing seminars to learn how to effectively sell his art.  “A lot of things are behind it,” said Arsh, “and it’s a lot of work.” 

He intends to continue selling his artwork to raise more money for children battling cancer at St. Jude’s. 

“It can be really painful for them to go through all that treatment, and I know I’m helping them,” he said. “And it makes me feel good because I’m pretty much saving somebody’s life.”

Follow Arsh on Instagram!