Art/Music Consider these: 1. Listen to songs that promote peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. 2. Study harmony and dissonance. 3. Consider what elements in a musical composition escalate and de-escalate emotions. 4. Consider how tension, tone, and contrast are valuable in artistic works. 5. Develop art projects around the theme of promoting peace. 6. Design jigsaw puzzles. Developed with contributions from Vinia Roberts, Parklayne Elementary, New Carlisle, Ohio and Martha Green, PLOUGHSHARES, Glenford, Ohio 614-659-2322. PAINTING PEACE THE INTERNATIONA CHILD ART FOUNDATION HELPS FOSTER PEACE BY ENCOURAGING CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY Rebecca Pronsky Art is often called the universal language because people in every culture express themselves through at. The International Child Art Foundation (ICAF) believes that because art is universal, the very act of creating art teaches children about themselves and about the world in ways that traditional education and everyday social interaction cannot. ICAF’s programs encourage children from all over the world to express their creativity individually and collectively. Despite the enormous differences that may exist when children begin working together, they quickly learn to communicate effectively and peacefully with one another as they move toward a shared goal. Over time they gain an understanding of the value of collaboration. In 1999, ICAF organized an international celebration of the millennium, in which over one million children around the world participated by creating art work on the theme, "My World in the Year 2000." One child from each participating country was invited to Washington D.C. to take part in Child Art 2000, a six-day children’s festival. Children from all over the world enthusiastically worked together to paint the World 2000 Mural. Without the benefit of a common language, the children nevertheless collaboratively created an exquisite work of art. Children’s art from 86 countries may be viewed at www.icaf.org. Rebecca Pronsky was an intern with The International Child Art Foundation, USA This article orginally appeared in the Hague Appeal for Peace "Peace Matters" newsletter. Contact information at www.hagueappeal.org CURRICULUM INDEX
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