PINWHEELS FOR PEACE
Imagine…“Whirled Peace”
September 21, 2019
In today’s world, peace needs to become more than just a word. On September 21, 2019, North Baltimore Middle School students plan to take part in an International art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace by “planting” pinwheels with messages of peace at the entrance to the HS gym.
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, of Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. This project is non-political – peace doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with the conflict of war, it can be related to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, to peace of mind. To each of us, peace can take on a different meaning, but, in the end, it all comes down to a simple definition: “a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups of people.”
Middle school students have created pinwheels, and as part of the creation process, the students have written their thoughts about “war and peace / tolerance/ living in harmony with others” on one side. On the other side, they have drawn images to visually express their feelings. The students have assembled these pinwheels and on International Day of Peace they will “plant” their pinwheels at the entrance to the HS gym as a public statement and art exhibit/installation.
On September 21st keep a lookout for the pinwheels as you enter the gym doors for the HS freshman, JV and varsity volleyball games – the spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country and the world!
For more information, go to http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com or contact Arica Matthes at 419-257-3464 ext. 1203
