Well, we’ve all descended on Grand Rapids, Michigan for ArtPrize. More than 800 artists from 15 countries and 30 states are here for one of the biggest art festivals in the country. Maybe the world? I just rolled in from another exhibit and programming in Colorado, so I am feeling the 20 hours of windshield time, but I’m excited for what’s next. I’m not exactly … Continue reading ArtPrize
We’ve been working in North Minneapolis the past few weeks. A partnership with Northside Culture and the Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement. We installed our American Stories exhibit to set the stage for storytelling, then we held several community studios and invited people to respond to the question, “When have you found strength in the midst of struggle?” People shared stories of losing loved … Continue reading Strength
We could all use a little hope. It’s the belief that something better is possible. That we have the ability to make a difference. That there are solutions available to our complex challenges and that we can find them together. That whatever today is like, tomorrow can be better. We traveled to Alexandria, Virginia to work with LEAD21 on the culmination of a year-long staff … Continue reading Hope
I’ve been really interested in this question of community lately. Especially as we come out of the pandemic, where our experience of community was so drastically changed. Especially as we go into mid-term elections where our sense of a common vision is challenging. Especially as we have spent these last two years on the road, constantly reimagining what it means to belong in a place. … Continue reading Building community
We spent a week this fall at WVU – Potomac State College and asked, “What gives you hope?” I’m reminded of a recent interview I did with Shane Claiborne where he said, “If you want to be courageous, surround yourself with courageous people.” You could say the same for kindness. For generosity. Certainly, for hope. It’s all contagious. It rubs off. Just as much as … Continue reading Hope
A Peace of My Mind visited West Virginia University in Morgantown in September, during their inaugural Week of Purpose, an initiative “designed to deliver inspiring speakers, showcase University resources, offer diverse perspectives and introduce student success tools.” We asked students, faculty and staff to answer the question, “When have you made an impact?” Here’s what people said: Continue reading Impact
As we approach the International Day of Peace on September 21, we returned to our core question for an engagement with the Holocaust Center in Orlando. “What does peace mean to you?” We installed our original gallery exhibit and we set up our studio for a day to capture the stories of 50 members of the community who were invited in to share their thoughts … Continue reading Orlando Peace
A Peace of My Mind visited Wild Goose Festival in Union Grove, North Carolina. Imagine Woodstock for faith and justice people. A couple thousand people camped on a big farm, with music, lectures and art. Folks who believe they are called to make a difference in the world. It was hot. Sweltering. Humid. We set up a studio under a 10×20 tent and asked people, … Continue reading Wild Goose Festival
It’s one of my favorite questions, “When have you made the greatest impact?” It allows us to remember when we’ve done things right. It recognizes our successes. And it allows us a moment to pause and reflect on when we have been effective, so we can use that as our road map to move forward. More than anything, this question gives us the chance to … Continue reading Montana
We spent last week in residence with Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minnesota. As part of their Lenten “Better Together” exploration, we asked the community, “What can we create together?” You can see a selection of their responses in this video, and find the entire collection in photos below. As you watch, think about how you would respond to the question…as a family, as a … Continue reading What can we create together?
