Community Engagement — Thomas Chen

Co-Founder

NextCanvas

I co-founded NextCanvas to give young artists a place to share their work, ask questions, and support one another. We partner with local organizations to host in-person art events celebrating World Ocean Day, bringing people together to add ocean-themed drawings to a 60-foot scroll. I love seeing people connect through something they create together. I want to grow our high school ambassador program so more students can bring NextCanvas events to their own communities.

The online community

NextCanvas website preview: No young artist stands alone.

nextcanvas.orgExplore ↗

NextCanvas volunteers holding a long scroll of ocean-themed community drawings in Central Park. — World Ocean Day · Central Park, New York

Children drawing together on a shared paper scroll at a NextCanvas ocean art event at Rye YMCA. — Creating together at Rye YMCA

A long scroll of ocean-themed drawings displayed along the waterfront fence at Rye Beach. — The community’s artwork at Rye Beach

Rye High School students contributing drawings to a shared NextCanvas paper scroll. — Adding ideas at Rye High School

A participant coloring bright ocean-themed drawings on the community scroll at Rye YMCA. — Ocean-inspired drawings at Rye YMCA

Rye’s Above Butterfly Auction

Golden Serenity

I designed and painted Golden Serenity for Rye’s Above Butterfly Auction, where it raised over $1,000 to support local children and artists.

Golden Serenity displayed among the trees and plants in a garden. — *Golden Serenity* in a garden setting

Rye High School

Chemistry Club

Through Rye High School’s Chemistry Club, I organize hands-on activities at Don Bosco Community Center, Chemistry Day at Rye Library, and slime-making at the Rye Vehicle Fair. Working with younger kids has taught me to be patient, listen to their questions, and find clearer ways to explain ideas. I love sharing the excitement of an experiment and helping kids try things for themselves.

A Chemistry Club volunteer helping a child make slime at an outdoor Rye Vehicle Fair table. — Slime-making at the Rye Vehicle Fair

Chemistry Club volunteers sharing hands-on experiments with visitors at Rye Library.

Children and adults gathered around a Chemistry Day activity table at Rye Library.

Chemistry Club volunteers holding a Rye High School Chem Club banner at Rye Library.

Chemistry Day at Rye Library

Don Bosco Community Center · Rye Arts Center

Teaching Through Art

I lead Rye High School Art Club members in teaching art at Don Bosco Community Center through activities like galaxy jars and bubble art. At Rye Arts Center, I created and taught “Science, Art, and STEAM,” combining art and chemistry through hands-on projects. I love seeing kids turn a simple activity into something of their own.

Thomas with students at Rye Arts Center displaying their colorful artwork and handmade projects. — Science, Art, and STEAM at Rye Arts Center

Thomas helping a young child with a hands-on art project at Don Bosco Community Center.

Art Club volunteers and young students gathered together at Don Bosco Community Center. — Art Club at Don Bosco Community Center