Hello, my name is Kelly McDermott. I’m a native Texan, but you might have never known. This past spring I graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA where I earned my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Tufts University. I had the opportunity to study everything from drawing to sound art.
As I finished my final year in school, I was not sure where or how God was calling me to use my gifts. I saw how He had helped me shine His light and my faith into my school and community, through 9ft landscape drawings. Although I had found a purpose and meaning to those four years of my life, the 10-14 hours I spent daily in the studio often made me feel disconnected from the world around me.
From a young age my parents taught me the importance of giving of my time and talents. My family often spent more time volunteering than at home growing up, which cultivated a seed of compassion for my community and the discovery of joy in service. I yearned to do something for the people I met at church, on the bus, and walking around the city. I wanted to give back to all of the people who had encouraged me everyday when they had their own set of needs. I wanted to do a year of service.
When I found Catholic Charities Service Corps, I immediately applied with my own set of expectations. I was ready to step away from the arts to truly immerse myself in the world, but God’s plan encompassed everything I was willing to sacrifice.
I will be spending the year living with 5 other girls, volunteering with Catholic Charities Parish Outreach in their pantries. In addition to helping the pantries, Jen and I will be expanding a weekly kid’s art program to all four pantries! I couldn’t imagine anything greater and am looking forward to the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead!