Ryan ChartrandWhat comes to mind when you think about a day dedicated to peace? Perhaps a sea of marching people waving peace banners, lighters waving in the air to the rhythm of a song protesting the war?
Perhaps, but causing chaos in order to obtain peace isn’t always necessary.
San Luis Obispo is putting its own twist on the International Day of Peace today by bringing together the Young Objectors United to End War (YOUTEW) and the Peace Library.
Members of the community are invited to come together from noon to 8 p.m. at the Arts Obispo Gallery in the Creamery on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.
Everyone will unite as one and participate in the co-creation of a peace mural based on “The Peaceable Kingdom,” a folk art masterpiece by Edward Hicks.
What will truly make this event complete is the level of personal involvement the public decides to give, event coordinators said. All that is being requested of anyone interested in rejoicing in peace is to put a personal part of yourself into the activity.
Whether it be a photograph, a drawing of yourself, peace memorabilia or just simple and meaningful words that make a big impact on anyone who sets eyes on the piece, it is one more active person fighting for peace.
“The photographs will add to the community of people who care about peace,” Forbes said.
Art activities will also be a considerable part of the celebration of Peace Day. Bob B. Hobbs will provide entertainment throughout the event, which is sponsored by YOUTEW, and among all the art activities planned, the kids from YOUTEW will be making buttons for everyone who attends.
Another original piece created by YOUTEW, “The Faces of War: A Peace Memorial,” will be displayed in the window of the old Pier One building on the corner of Chorro and Monterey streets.
“The goal of YOUTEW is to work through the arts to bring awareness of war and peace to everyone,” said Melinda Forbes, curator of the Peace Library.
Forbes and the curator of the Peace Library, Julie Farankel, were the masterminds behind the idea of inviting YOUTEW to come together with the Peace Library to create their very own celebration for Peace Day.
“The kids have worked very hard in creating the murals and Julie has done a lot of painting as well,” Forbes said.
One good reason to go out there and show your desire for peace is so you can help spread the desire to others.
“Our goal is to raise awareness. There are a lot of people who do care about creating a peaceful world,” Forbes said. “We want to get together and make a statement as a community, showing that we do believe in peace … We are hoping for an outcome of getting as many people as possible to come out. We would love to fill the gallery with people who hope for peace.”