“Kindness costs you nothing but can mean everything to those who receive it.” These are words of advice from Vivian Morrison, a high school student who already serves more than we have in our lifetime! Vivian is actually the daughter of Mary Morrison, a previous 20 Outstanding Women recipient and Vivian has been very inspired by the women she has been around and talked to through the group. “When I was a little bit younger, I heard one of the 20 Outstanding Women who fed the homeless at a homeless shelter talk about the children who slept there. I didn’t even know that children could be homeless. I had been looking for a way to share my love of art with the community and came up with the idea of “An Art World of My Own.” I make bags and collect art supplies to put in them and give to kids at homeless shelters.”
Vivian also volunteers for numerous events including the 4H Walk and Serve, Equine Affair, and other Girl Scout and 4H events. She volunteers on the Franklin County Junior Fair Board, on the Fashion Board, and at the Franklin County Fair. Vivian also has served as a camp counselor for 4H Camp and Cloverbud Camp. Vivian gives her mom, Mary, a lot of credit in helping her find balance and stay prioritized. Mary helps Vivian make the bags for the homeless children and helps her deliver the supplies.
Vivian says that her hero is her Grandma. “She had an amazing work ethic, working a full time job while raising 4 kids, helping to farm the farm, and helping to build her own farm house. She loved everyone no matter who they were and gave them vegetables, as well as making quilts for everyone. She was so artistic, quilting, sewing, macramé, you name it. And she was funny!”
Vivian’s ultimate goal in life is to be a teacher and eventually enter public service as a representative of her community. She plans on continuing her education, continue volunteering wherever she is needed, and continue collecting art supplies to donate to kids.
If you would like to donate art supplies to An Art World of My Own, please bring them on Saturdays to: Schiller Park Recreation Center, 1069 Jaeger St., Columbus, OH 43206.