QUEENS — If you care about global peace, you can now participate in an art project that seeks to spread the message of harmony throughout the world.
The Global Art Project for Peace is an international initiative that asks artists to create works of art, expressing their vision for global peace, which they will later exchange with other artists from various countries, the organizers said.
The art may be created in any medium, including drawings, poems, songs and performances (recorded on videotapes/CDs).
The goal of the project “is to joyously create a culture of peace through art,” the organizers said.
In 2014, 18 Queens artists, including a group from Kew Gardens, participated in the project.
“They found the experience to be very positive, meaningful and uplifting,” said Carol Lacks, a Kew Gardens activist and the project regional coordinator, in an email.
This year's Global Art Project for Peace poster was designed using artwork created two years ago by Kew Gardens artist Neene Maruzzelli, the organizers said. Her original collage was sent to her Global Art Project partner in Norway.
After participants create their pieces they will be asked to display them somewhere in their community — on the walls at a local school, hospital, public library or restaurant.
The organizers will later match participants from various countries who will swap their pieces.
The exchange will occur at the end of April, “resulting in thousands of people sending messages of peace around the world at one time,” the organizers said.
The artwork is sent as a gift and symbol of cultural art exchange.
The project, established in 1993, has so far linked 130,000 participants in 85 countries on seven continents, according to the organizers.
Those interested in participating can register at www.globalartproject.org. There is a $15 donation fee ($20 for groups) and the deadline is Feb. 28. For more information contact Carol Lacks at kewgardensarts@gmail.com.
