Holly Berry Huynh Artwork on Display at Michener

Somehow, the family of Holly Berry Huynh managed the impossible task of searching through three years of artwork created by Holly to find the right pieces to temporarily hang in a memorial exhibition at the James A. Michener Museum.

Located in the Education Gallery of the museum until April 22, the exhibit honors the memory of the nine-year-old who lost her life in a car accident last November.

“Every day that we see a beautiful sunset or a rainbow in the sky, every moment we stop to reflect on the peace and beauty in our surroundings, and every time we imagine a magical transformation, may we also remember Holly, now painting on an entirely new canvas,” said Holly’s mother Colleen in a statement.

As difficult as it was to pare down countless works created during 11 different art classes at the museum, it was even harder to find the one piece that would hang permanently at the Michener.

"We went through each piece, one by one," said Ruth Anderson, Director of Youth and Family Programs. "When we got to this one with two fish, [Holly's mother] Colleen said she thought it reminded her of the circle of life. I said that I think we found the one. You see where it is hanging now, and it just looks like it belongs there."

Since Anderson oversees the summer art class program, she never directly taught Holly during the three years she attended, but the budding artist's constant presence quickly made her a familiar face.

"She was just an incredible kid," said Anderson. "She had a funny personality, but she could also get serious and really detail-oriented. We've had some visitors from the art community come in, and they are impressed that these pieces were created by a nine year old."

In addition to the exhibit, The Holly Berry Huynh Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Michener Art Museum has been established by Holly’s family, friends, and hundreds of community members. Through their efforts, the fund reached the $25,000 goal and will continue to seek donations to build the endowment for scholarships.

"It is a named endowed fund that will generate revenue in perpetuity," according to a press release from the museum. "Ongoing individual donations will keep Holly’s inspiration and spirit alive in the Education Center at the James A. Michener Art Museum."

Fourth-grade teachers from Groveland Elementary School have also made a contribution to help a deserving student attend a summer camp program free of charge this year. 

The primary purpose of the endowment is to provide tuition assistance for students in preschool through grade 12 who demonstrate artistic ability and financial need and wish to enroll in the James A. Michener Art Museum’s art classes. All scholarship awardees are granted a one-year family membership to the Michener Art Museum so that the awardees’ family may enjoy the museum experience along with their child.

The money will also be used to help organizations working with underserved populations bring their student groups to the museum.

Museum hours for the James A. Michener Art Museum are Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday noon to 5 pm. Members and children under 6, free; adults $15; seniors $13; college student with valid ID $11; ages 6-18 $7.50; under 6 free. For more information, visit www.michenerartmuseum.org or call 215-340-9800.