WCA ArtWaves International

Rio+20 Women's Major Group Submission Document

2011-11-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

The UN Rio+20 Women's Major Group has submitted its input for the zero-draft document - a focused political document that will be the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that will take place in Brazil in June 2012. The submission was developed over the last 6 months by over 70 women's organizations from over 40 countries worldwide. Women's Caucus for Art is one of these organizations. Here is the link to see the Women's Major Group's submission document. http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=574&type=230&menu=38

Sustainable Societies Responsive Citizens

2011-09-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Delegates from all over the world gather in Bonn, Germany

Opening session of the 64th Annual UN Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations Conference in Bonn

Sherri Cornett and a delegate from China

2011-09-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

WCA after the UN DPI/NGO Conference

Priscilla and I see expansion of WCA involvement with the United Nations.

We talked with UN staff about how to apply for consultative status, which would give us more access to ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council, which facilitates international cooperation on standards-making and problem solving in economic and social issues), to the planning of conferences and invitations to further events organized by the President of the General Assembly.

We talked with Sascha Gabizon, Women in Europe for a Common Future, and Dr. Sabina Anokye Mensah, Voices of African Women, who are the organizing partners for The Women's Rio 2012 steering committee, the coordination and decision making body of the Women's Major Group for Rio 2012. WCA could choose to be one of the networks/NGOs involved in Rio.

I talked with Anna Golubovska-Onisimova, of MAMA-86, about collaborating with Ukrainian women at Rio+20.

The annual gathering for the UN Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York, overlaps with the WCA annual conference. When our conference is held in New York, we could participate further in this UN event. It is the organ that is working for a 5th UN sponsored World Conference on Women. The last one was held in Beijing in 1995. At least two of our members attended that conference. We could work toward a larger participation if/when a 5th conference is determined.

2011-09-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

The 64th Annual United Nations DPI/NGO Conference: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens, Bonn, Germany, 3-5 September 2011

Priscillla Otani, president-elect for our Women's Caucus for Art, and I attended as representatives of our NGO. Below are some of my impressions from the conference.

Conference Overview

The happy sounds of many languages filled the six floors of the Maritim Hotel atrium as the conference began. At the Opening Ceremony, I found myself surrounded by businesswomen from China, a woman in a niqab, saris, caftans, youth, and many nuns (Catholic, Buddhist, Hindi) some of the representatives of more than 400 NGOs in attendance. We quickly coalesced into the "we the peoples" that starts the Charter of the United Nations. Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations

Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, via, video, set the tone for the conference. "We have to be prepared to make major changes…in our lifestyles, our economic models, our social organization, and our political life." He talked about "tearing down the walls between the development agenda and the climate agenda."

The call to action for this conference was: COMMIT! ENCOURAGE! VOLUNTEER!

I soon had a sense of both the messiness and wonder of civil society and how years of UN conferences have distilled a method for collecting the varied perspectives, views and recommendations asked for, in this case, by the General Assembly in preparation for the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development scheduled for June 2012 in Brazil. At each of the Roundtables, to which all were invited, high-level experts spoke on the topics after which respondents from government reflected back or challenged them on their thoughts. Four to five questions at a time were then taken from the audience and the panel responded. UN staff recorded each of these discussions. The same process, minus the respondents, occurred in the many workshops. Side events gave even more intimate discussion opportunities as did the exhibits, both of which WCA was a part. UN Conference board members worked tirelessly throughout the three days to add to, edit and condense all of this information into the final declaration that reflected the expectations of NGO participants and civil society leaders for the governments attending Rio+20. The declaration was openly discussed for a final time at the closing. Individuals were able to come to the mike, ask for word changes, minor deletions and additions, before the assembly was asked, by show of applause, to accept or reject the declaration before it was given to the German government for presentation to the U.N. General Assembly.

The two key foci of Rio+20 are green economy and poverty reduction with the aims of increasing corporate social responsibility, abolishing perverse subsidies (nuclear, oil), financing local sustainable development, and increasing transparency, accountability and opportunities for redress.

Key Concepts From the Conference

Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Our EMPHASIS needs to be on these FUTURE GENERATIONS and preparing them to be responsive citizens as they will have no choice but to transition to sustainability.

Sustainable lifestyle means efficient infrastructures, minimizing use of natural resources/emisisions/waste/pollution, supporting socio-economic development, and better quality of life for all.

We need to TEACH PEOPLE FLEXIBILITY - how they can do best with current knowledge and how to change as new information arises, how to deal with a tomorrow that is so different from today without getting lost and fearful.

We no longer have TIME to polarize. We need to end cynicism. We need to celebrate courage and innovation.

Felix Dodds, Chair, 64th DPI/NGO Conference - "THE FUTURE IS NOT A GIFT, it is an achievement. The future does not belong to those who are content with today or to those who lack the courage to force change that is needed." Everyone needs to mobilize, volunteer and take action. At closing ceremony, Flavia Pansieri, Head of the Consultative Forum of the Heads of UN Agencies in Germany, asked everyone who has engaged in a cause without expectation of payment to stand - 100% stood. The spirit of voluntarism in participants from developing and developed countries alike was huge. "Of course we volunteer, why wouldn't we do our part for the future of the world."

With each dollar we spend, we are deciding what kind of world we are creating for our children, whether we are destroying it or sustaining it.

We need to celebrate courage and innovation.

Not everything is worse. Many positive accomplishments are not picked up by the world's media.

Examples of Positive News

The eco village concept - conscious design for long-term sustainability and resilience - is rapidly expanding with over 600 established eco villages around the world and 100+ in the U.S. The country of Senegal is committing a large portion of its budget to transforming struggling traditional villages into ecovillages. Here is the story about Senegal's eco villages

Fair Trade Towns - communities in which people and organizations use their everyday choices to increase sales of Fairtrade products and bring about positive change for farmers and workers in developing countries - are also expanding with over 1000 internationally and 23 in the U.S. as of April. http://www.fairtradetowns.org

To combat the serious lack of drinking water in areas of western China, the Water Cellars for Mothers Project developed and built water collecting devices, each holding a year's worth of rain water for one family. Over 1 million people benefited from this project in 2010 Water Cellars for Mothers Project

Daniel Bena - director of sustainability for Pepsico. showed how a major corporation, with its global presence, can easily support sustainability by: 1) directing funds to projects, 2) sharing knowledge and technology to projects, 3) sharing communication and awareness tools, 4) expanding reach through leveraging global logistics and supply chains, 5) activating employees to volunteer. One example, through Pepsico's social media, 2 million people were made aware of NGOs, which resulted in more money to NGOs.

Victoria Wyszynski Thoresen, of PERL( Partnership of Education and Research for Responsible Living), shared the current discussion in Norway about the bombings. Even though they are told they may be naïve, that their police should carry guns, most have chosen to reconfirm the way of life prevalent in their country - trustworthiness, respect, standing up against bigotry and hate, cooperation, accountability, and peaceful conflict resolution

Farah Cherif d'Ouezzen, of the Thaqafat Association, spoke of working with the Moroccan government to establish a voluntary service year as a way to contribute to the development of the missing skills that young people did not get from formal education and restore the broken trust between the Government and civil society. (During the Arab Spring, a totally new cry was heard - "the people want."). Making volunteerism a more structured part of society would allow people to be more involved in democracy and prepare youth to be more active in building their countries.

The Lessons

After the recent disasters, the Japanese people had to make choices, particularly with energy usage. They chose to run the hugely popular youth baseball games earlier in the day to avoid night lights and peak time TV coverage. But we must not wait for disasters to make such decisions. - Kiyo Akasaka, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information

The separation, that has come through the ages, between the earth and humanity, needs to be reconnected. Economy and ecology both come form the word oikos (Greek for family, household)..The more we protect nature, the more she provides for our needs…Human rights flow out of the rights of the earth…Engineered solutions, without consideration for the bigger picture, cause problems (super bugs, super weeds) Whatever actions we take, we MUST look at the consequences. [Vandana received much applause] Polluters can't be volunteers. They must be regulated. It is not "of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation" - Vandana Shiva, Navdanya International, physicist, philosopher, author, eco-feminist

The importance of teaching children about volunteerism is being threatened by the challenges parents have meeting their basic needs. Volunteerism - contributing to the betterment of those beyond whom one is obliged to support. Teaching them to consider self in relation to others. Peace workers can only be successful if they themselves have inner peace. How can we not use our education in service to the world? - Grace H. Aquiling-Dalisay, VSO Bahaginan, psychologist, Phillipines

We are constantly being told there is no other way. Do Your Homework - there are prove alternatives. Do not be silenced by those who try to make you cower by saying "you don't understand power and the economy." There are those who have successfully challenged conventional wisdom. We should celebrate courage, innovation. We should ban the term "trade off", especially when one group is deciding the trade offs for others. - Achim Steiner, Executive Director, UNEP (UN Environmental Program)

Poverty has a female face. Women make up 70% of the world's poor. Work outside the market forms the bedrock of our human well-being, yet care is invisible. In our "care-less" economies, most cuts are made to this bedrock. -Sascha Gabizon - Director, Women in Europe for a Common Future, and co-coordinator of the Rio+20 Women Major Group

Good local governance must have CARE - credibility, accountability, responsibility and empowerment - Geri Lau, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

If everyone lived as Europeans, we would currently need 3 planets to support us. If everyone lived as US citizens, it would be 5 planets. As Greenpeace is fond of saying, there is no Plan(et) B. -Sue Middleton, BioRegional Development Group

Closing Comment

Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Co-Coordinator of Rio+20, called us to share the information from the conference with as many others as possible, to influence individuals, local governments on up, academia and business to use their words, work, actions and behaviors in service to a sustainable world.

2011-09-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

WCA NGO work

As an NGO, Women's Caucus for Art has the privilege of having a seat, a voice in the United Nations. Civil Society, a term I find delightful, is this collection of perspectives that are added to the governmental and business related ones collected by the United Nations in the policy and decision-making processes.

Each year, NGOs submit reports that show how each NGO is supporting the work of the United Nations. WCA does this by creating opportunities for women to share their concerns about their lives and their world through artistic means. Our focus on Art & Activism is demonstrated through national work (honoring women artists, getting more women's art into museums and participation in UN meetings and conferences), chapter work (for ex., the Philadelphia Chapter's Ragdoll project and the Minneapolis Chapter's Women and Water Rights) and the work of individual members.

-Sherri Cornett, member, International Committee

Young Women's Caucus

2009-11-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

By Amanda

By Lana Bosak

By Lana Bosak

By Anonymous

By Laura

These cards were created by members of a brand-new internal WCA caucus, Young Women's Caucus. Thanks everyone for your colorful contributions!

Postcards That Arrived After Mexico City

2009-11-01T10:53:00.001-08:00

By Virginia Dragschutz, St. Charles, MO

By Linda Zuiderweg, Michigan

By Lee Lee and Thatcher Gray, Denver, CO, titled "Hope for the Future"

These three postcards were waiting for me when I returned from the UN Conference in Mexico City. Lee Lee's card says that it was a collaboration betwen mom and her 13-month old son. It was made with sharpie on burnt card, collaged with shotgunned painting fragment.

THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!!

2009-09-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Artists and World Citizens United for Peace, Against Nuclear War
Phoebe Ackley, Ailyn, Alice, Laura Anderson, Anonymous. Lara Barenz, Joan Baliker, Yvonne Beatty, Suzanne Beautler, Michelle Beliveau, Gretchen Blais, Sabine Bossert, Chevalier Daniel C Boyer, Lindsay Brenner, Dan Brown, Keith A Buchholz, Lisa Plemmons Harrison Caddel, Karole Turner Campbell, Theresa Canning, Laurie Carlock, Amanda M Carrillo, Kati Casida, Claudia Chapline, Charlie, Denis Charmot, Roxanne Clark, Donna M Conroy, Jordan Covert, Nicky Crabtree, Deborah Davidson, Pat Davis, Lauren Day, Etta Deikman, Cem Demir, Mary Dempsey, Joan Desmond, Diane Destiny, Eleanor Dickinson, Liz Dodson, Virginia Dragschutz, Cosette Dudley, Regina Elkan, Dom Fetherston, Pamela Flynn, Kathy Freeburn, Cynthia Friedlob, Rosalie Friis-Ross, Irene Gennaro, Jamie Graham, Claudio Grandinetti, Uli Grohmann, Trudi Chamoff Hauptman, Tomoko Ebina, Oi Fortin, Trish Foschi, Anna Gates, Susan Gesundheit, Enid Gosling, Fay Grajower, Arabella Grayson, Angie Griffith, Caroline Groeke, DeAndria Gutamer, Libby Hartigan, Lindsay Harris, Hiro, Rachel X Hobreigh, Carol Sue Horstman, Alex Howell, Russell Hughes, Denise Hunley, Midge Hyde, Christine Ilewski, Ingo, Jackson, Diane Jimenez, Petra Jovanovska, Judy Johnson-Williams, Laura Johnson-Williams, Marjorie Jordan, CM Judge, Catherine Kendall, Carole Richard Kaufmann, Robert Knight, J Natasha Kostan, Susan Kraft, Z Kripe, Lucien Kubo, Kathryn Kucera, J Lachance, Kristen Langefeld, Helena M Langley, Lauren, Lee Lee, Teresa Lin, Lindenhof, Susan Lirakis, Serse Luigetti, Russell Manning, Manon, Elaine Fafard Marconi, Maggie Massot, Tommy Mattler, Reiko Michisaki, Diane J Mayer, Suzan Mayer, Martha McClaren, Penny McElroy, Melissa Meyer, Angie Nagle Miller, Marilyn Mitchell, Chika Miyazawa, Moises, Justin Monroe, Christina VA Montuori, Sandra Mueller, Avinger Nelson, Helen Poole Newman, Katerina Nikoltsou, Nelleke Nix, Kay McClaren North, Ellen November, Molly O’Brien, Eugene Otani, Priscilla Otani, Clemente Padin, Jennie Pavlova, Jennifer Peck, Larisa Pilinsky, Rita Poutivskaia, Autumn Randell, Lynn Redding, Cherie M Redlinger, Giorgio Reguicoli, Elaine Reiter, Damon Reynolds, Bobbi Rich, Carmella Rizzuto, Susan Rogers, Launa D Romoff, Bobette Rose, Sheryl Denise Ross, Serena Rossi, Debra Rueb, Jacqueline Ruyak, Jessica Sagartz, Marie I Samuel, Colleen Kelly Sanders, John Schlereth, Fabio Sassi, Judith Segall, Emma Seidler, Shizue Seigel, Shadow, Sheryl, Judy Shintani, Kyouhei Shiozaki, Mary Shisler, Elena Mary Siff, Lara Simonetti, Gabriela Sincich, Lori Skinner, Deborah J Skinner-Perez, Bonnie Smith, Bonnie J Smith, Snappy, Antonio Torrez Solis, Ann Fanciullo Sperling, Sarah Stiehr, Joseph Stemmler, Vincent Stemmler, Heather Meri Stewart, Giovanni StraDa Da, Arlene Streich, Jaromir Svozilik, Karen Swallow, Tahj, Kensuke Takeda, Diana Talbot, Tariq, Patricia Tavenner, Gail Thorne, Doug Timme, Leigh Toldi, Joanne Tsai, Sandy Tucker, Kazuo Uchida, Tim Unterriher, Dede van der Roove, Irma Velasquez, Suzanne Van Appledorn, Maggi Van Dorn, Anita Van Tellengen, Bridget Wagner, Stephen C Wagner, Hiltrud I Warntjen, Adam West, Elizabeth White, Tanya Wilkinson, Helene Wildi, Vicki Wilson, Nancy Worthington, Elessa Young, Stephanie Young, Kon Yuta, Patricia Zukas, Irwin Ziment, Yda Ziment, Horvath Zoltan.

Say No to Nuclear Weapons!

2009-09-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

A wonderful collaged and hand-sewn card from yoga therapist Patricia Zukas of Port Townsend, WA. She writes, "Focus on what we want! May peace prevail now. Namaste." Thank you so much, Patricia.

Love, Not War!

2009-09-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Two wonderful cards from artist Chrstina VA Montuori of La Mesa, CA arrived in Saturday's mail. Thanks so much for including them in this exhibition!

Seeds of Peace

2009-09-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

This beautiful hand-painted card was created by artist Gabriela Sincich of West Lafayette, IN. Thanks for sending it!

Radioactive Data

2009-09-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

SCWCA artist Libby Hartigan of Culver City, CA sent these very cool handmade cards that depict radioactivity data. Beautiful but disquieting. Thanks so much!

Beautiful Buddhist Words

2009-09-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sandy Tucker of Denver, CO sent these cards with spiritual words. Thanks so much for participating!

Remember and Rethink

2009-09-04T17:02:00.001-07:00

"Handle With Care" This cradleboard scuplture was created by the artist as part of an installation "Strong Medicine: Commemorating Our Children." We must honor and save children!

"Remember Sadako and All Children" The artist and friend Fumi Matoba creates 1000 cranes in the Japanese tradition to honor children of war as Sadako Sasaki, age 12, inspired the children of Japan and the world to work for peace by her brave attempt to fold 1000 paper cranes before she died of radiation poisoning from the bombing of Hiroshima. A statue of Sadako was commissioned by her classmates and is located in Hiroshima Peace Park. It is usually covered with paper cranes. This artist cropped her image into a narrow prayer tail to attach to temple bells or trees for Sadako, children and peace.

"Rethink" "Nuclear Energy" by Henry Moore was commissioned by the University of Chicago and is located at hte University of Chicago campus. It commemorates the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, which took place at the university in 1942. The artist collaged the chain and lock onto the image of the Moore sculpture to make a point to rethink the energy used for nuclear arms. The artist acknowledges the value of nuclear energy; eg, medicine - NOT NUCLEAR ARMS.

These cards and statements arrived from artist Rosalie Friis-Ross of Los Angeles, CA. Thank you so much!

End War!

2009-09-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

SCWCA artist Avinger Nelson of Pasadena, CA sent a package of cards created by Anita Van Tellengen, Susan Gesundheit, 12-year old Lauren and herself. Thanks so much for these beautiful cards!

Where Do We Hide Nuclear Waste?

2009-09-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

NCWCA artist Regina Elkan of San Anselmo, CA sent this beautifully painted card asking an important question. Thanks Regina!

Out of Darkness

2009-09-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

These two beautiful cards were sent by artist Ann Fanciullo Sperling of Mission Viejo, CA. The card on the top is a mixed media card titled "Out of the Darkness into the LIght" and the photograph is "Untitled." Thanks for sending these moving statements on the show's theme.

No Place to Hide

2009-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

This beautifully painted card was created by Regina Elkan of San Anselmo, CA. Thank you so much for participating!

I see myself in you

2009-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

This very interesting card that answers the question, "What does a culture of peace look like?" was sent by Bobbette Rose of Madison, WI. Thank you so much!!

Flag Cards

2009-09-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

These mixed media cards on cardboard were sent by NCWCA artist Mary Shisler of Oakland, CA. Wow! I love flag cards and these are fabu. Thanks so much!

innocence lost

2009-09-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

This beautiful postcard was created by artist Rita Poutivskaia of Laguna Beach, CA. Thank you so much for sending it!

Peace Three Ways

2009-09-03T16:42:00.001-07:00

These three colorful cards were created by artist and NCWCA President Helen Poole Newman of Berkeley, CA. They were made on the road to Ann Arbor, Michigan where her daughter will be attending graduate school. Thanks so much, Helen!

How Do You Say Peace?

2009-09-03T16:40:00.001-07:00

These two beautiful cards were created by artist Lark (Larisa Pilinsky) of Los Angeles, CA. Thanks so much for sending them!

Flower in a Gun

2009-09-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

This beautiful, powerful collage card was created by artist Ellen November of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Thank you for being part of this show!

Disarm! Dismantling the War Economy

2009-09-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis WCA artist Liz Dodson sent this gorgeous collage card. Thanks so much!

Peace/War in My Hands

2009-09-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

Debra Rueb from Texas created this beautiful composition. Thanks so much!

All Hands for Peace

2009-09-03T16:27:00.001-07:00

Artist Martha McClaren of San Francisco, CA created this wonderful peace sign. She wrote on the back, "Give Peace a hand." Indeed. Thanks so much Martha!

Pace

2009-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

This lovely painted postcard was mailed by Kay McClaren North of San Diego, CA. I love the peace flags flying beside every house!

Fire and Peace

2009-09-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

"In Darkness"

"Prayer Wheel"
These beautiful cards were created by artist Reiko Michisaki of Santa Cruz, CA. Thanks so much for participating!

Ben Franklin's Saying

2009-09-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

This very cool card that incorporates a $100 bill was created by Trish Foschi of San Francisco, CA. Thanks so much for your words!

Imagine...Peace

2009-09-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

This brilliant card was created by artist and WCA CT Co-President Oi Fortin. Thanks so much for participating!

Burr Sculptures for Peace

2009-09-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

These cards by artist Elizabeth White of Bethel, CT document her ephemeral burr sculptures. They are from a series called "Dirty Bombs" protesting the use of depleted uranium weaponry. She writes:

About the Cap: Looking to the past it is evident what dunces we have been in our violations of the rights of our fellow man. Here I contemplate my complicity & look toward the future as our power to violate now imperils all life forms.

About the Teddy: The symbol of Teddy is enlisted here to describe the yearning for peace and security. the "children of Iraq" (Kosovo, Bosnia, etc) include also those children born to the soldiers who have been handling chemical & radioactive toxins. Agents so powerful as to mutate human DNA.

About the grenade: As disparate as we may feel, we are ever bound together as members of the human family. As distant as others appear our environs are closely linked by air and water streams. The natural laws of cause and effect and our endowment with reason and conscience assure us we will inherit each other's concerns. That which we inflict on others sticks to us as well.

Thanks so much for your amazing cards, Elizabeth!

My Friend & I are Having a Conflict

2009-09-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

This postcard, a print of original art was mailed by the artist Christine Ilewski of Alton, IL. Thanks so much for participating!

A Double-sided Beauty

2009-09-03T11:08:00.001-07:00

NCWCA artist Judy Shintani of Half Moon Bay, CA sent this gorgeous double-sided card that was sewn, painted and collaged. She quotes a Lakota saying, "The hurt of one is the hurt of all." Thanks so much for your contribution!

Chapter One: Peace

2009-09-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

Here's another amazing handmade card by artist Michelle Beliveau of Goffstown, NH. Thanks so much for your participation!

Maryville Students Call for Peace!

2009-09-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

I received another large submission from students of Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. Thanks so much for participating. Your work is awesome!

Peace and the Bomb Bouquet

2009-09-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

These wonderful handmade cards are from artist Jennifer Peck of Los Angeles, CA. The bomb bouquet is amazing! Thanks so much!

Peace Blankets

2009-09-01T08:48:00.001-07:00

Original of above work at the Mitchell Museum, Mt. Vernon, IL

Marie I Samuel of Carterville, IL sent these beautiful blanket cards. Thank you for participating in this project!

Grasses of Peace

2009-09-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

"Sow Peace Now!"

"Apply Within"
These beautiful cards were created by artist Sandra Mueller, SCWCA President. Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous art!

Reaching for Peace

2009-09-01T08:44:00.001-07:00

Virginia Dragschutz of St Charles, MO sent this lovely, ephemeral card of children reaching toward peace. Thanks so much!

Michigan Artists

2009-08-31T20:52:00.001-07:00

An envelope filled with art created by artists in Michigan arrived today. Thank you so much for these wonderful, colorful cards!

The 300th Postcard

2009-08-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Oakland WCA artist Laura Anderson's postcard represents the 300th card received for this show. This amazing hand-made and textured card shows a bird carrying a branch over flames and erupting mountains. Thanks so much for making this amazing card, Laura!!

What Does a Culture of Peace Look Like?

2009-08-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

Artist Elaine Fafard-Marconi of Joliette, Quebec, Canada sent this gorgeous composition. Thanks so mcuh for participating!

Happy Children/Scorched Children

2009-08-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles WCA artist Yvonne Beatty sent this amazing card of extreme opposites. Thanks so much!

WWJB

2009-08-31T20:11:00.001-07:00

This strong card was created by WCA artist CM Judge. She writes, "Inner peace = World peace. Always choose love!" Thanks for this great card!

Peace Still Missing

2009-08-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

WCA NH artist Kathy Freeburn created this cascade of peace symbols. Scattered among them, are disquieting words. Thanks Kathy!

It is in Our Hands

2009-08-31T20:08:00.001-07:00

Artist LYnn Redding of Missoula, MT sent this beautifully drawn image. Thanks so much!

Sacred Planet Series

2009-08-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Artist Marjorie Jordan of Atlanta,GA shared her "Sacred Planet" series with us. She wrote on each card: "Why must we oppose the creation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction? Because we live on a sacred planet where every living thing is an absolute, irreplaceable miracle. We must wake up to this reality and behave accordingly...That is what my images are about." Thanks so much!

Elders teach the children the story of the Peace Cranes

2009-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

This wonderful handmade card arrived from DeAndria Gutamer of Missoula, MT. I love the people dancing around Peace. She wrote, "Teach our Children Peace so they have a future!" Thanks so much DeAndria!

Peace!

2009-08-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

These beautiful hand-made cards were made by artist J. Lachance of Manchester, NH. Thanks so much for making them!

Reaching Out

2009-08-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

This beautiful composition was sent by Kathryn Kucera of Mt. Prospect, IL. Thanks so much!

Peaceful Nature

2009-08-31T19:23:00.001-07:00

Susan Lirakis of Center Sandwich, NH sent these beautiful nature cards. Thank you so much for participating!

Flower Power, Beatles and...

2009-08-31T10:54:00.001-07:00

Mail artist Jacqueline Ruyak of Wassergass, PA created this collage card that incorporated an altered Polaroid. The stripes are in the colors of the flags of countries in the "nuclear club." Thanks Jacqueline!

Protests

2009-08-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Artist J. Natasha Kostan of Los Angeles sent these collage cards. Thanks so much for your contribution to this exhibition!

Who Would Be Left?

2009-08-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a collage card with watercolor and acrylic created by artist Donna M. Conroy of Worcerster, MA. Rather ominous coffin images but appropriate to the theme! Thanks so much Donna.

Embedded Messages

2009-08-31T10:47:00.001-07:00

Three postcards encrusted with paint, paper, word and images arrived from Boston WCA artist Fay Grajower. Thanks so much for creating these cards!

A Culture Of..?

2009-08-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

Here is a lovely drawing by NCWCA artist Eleanor Dickinson of San Francisco, CA. Thanks for asking the rhetorical question!

Love Thy Neighbor

2009-08-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hewre are three cards from artist Michelle Beliveau of Goffstown, NH. Thanks for these wonderful cards!

The Missing Piece Is...

2009-08-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

A second peace card from WCA artist Judith Segall of Altamonte Springs, FL. Thanks so much for this card!

Flo Valley and Maryville U Students

2009-08-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

A packet of cards arrived from students of Florissant Valley Community College and Maryville University, both in St. Louis. Thanks so much for your participation in this show!

Nuclear Waste?

2009-08-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

SBWCA President and artist Susan Kraft sent this comment about nuclear waste. Thanks so much for this fabulous card!

The Darker Side

2009-08-31T07:17:00.001-07:00

Demons and Destruction

Jungle or Freedom

These two beautiful cards arrived from Los Angeles artist Yda Ziment. Thanks so much for your contribution to this show!

Peace from LA

2009-08-31T07:14:00.001-07:00

Peace is Hard but War is Harder

March into Peace

Two beautiful peace drawing/paintings from artist Irwin Ziment of Los Angeles, CA. Thanks so much for participating!

War Fatigue

2009-08-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

World Weary of War

Chicken LIttle and the Weapons of Mass Destruction

Prayer for Peace

Artist Lucien Kubo of Soquel, CA sent these three gorgeous cards against war and for peace. Thanks so much !

Mailart Queen

2009-08-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

Mailart Queen and artist, Patricia Tavenner of Piedmont, CA sent this clear, simple message. Thanks so much Patricia!

No Nukes is Good Nukes

2009-08-30T20:55:00.001-07:00

"No Nukes is Good Nukes," writes NCWCA artist Phoebe Ackley of Berkeley, CA. A gorgeous heart-filled card against war. Thanks Phoebe!

Peace

2009-08-30T20:54:00.001-07:00

A simple, elegant peace card from Marilyn Mitchell of Eincinitas, CA. Thank you!

Create a Culture of Peace Now!

2009-08-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

A beautiful peace card from WCA artist Judith Segall of Altamonte Springs, FL. Thanks so much for your contribution!

Now..here...and right as rain

2009-08-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

A beautiful piece from WCA artist Nelleke Nix of Mercer Island, WA. She writes, "...and there will be NOTHING xxx and we will wish or want zilch xx and my name will be NADA xxxx How much do I love this world, the air the plants the water the animals the people, ALL." Thanks Nelleke!

Make Love

2009-08-27T19:12:00.001-07:00

Mail artist Snappy from Victoria, BC Canada sent this cool double-sided postcard. Thanks so much for participating!

Chain Links

2009-08-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Amanda M. Carrillo of Fremont, CA sent this wonderful fabric postcard! On the back she added, "Peace Now." Thanks so much!

HIroshima, Nagasaki Remembered

2009-08-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Artists Cosette Dudley of Atherton, CA sent a second amazing postcard. Very effective! Thanks so much.

Love is Disarming!

2009-08-27T19:08:00.001-07:00

Dom Fetherston from Victoria, BC Canada sent this wonderful & simple message all in pinks and reds. Thanks so much!

Rug Card Against War

2009-08-27T18:38:00.001-07:00

Oakland artist Judy Johnson-Williams sent this amazing card, which arrived folded up into roughly 6"x4"dimensions. Once opened, though, the piece revealed 8 cards joined together to form a "rug" with symbols of war. Super super card!

Eternal Damnation

2009-08-26T21:02:00.001-07:00

Here's an amazing drawing by WCA Boston artist Heather Meri Stewart of Somerville, MA. Wow! Thanks so much!

WMD vs Peace

2009-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Four amazing postcards from NCWCA artist Nancy Worthington of Sebastopol, CA. Strong statements mixed with sly humor. Thanks for making me laugh with the "How to do the Peace Sign."

Peaceful Holidays!

2009-08-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

Artist Joan Desmond of Lake Isabelle, CA sent this card, which she said was her family's holiday card last year. And it fits the theme of this show perfectly! Thank you for sending it.

Peace!

2009-08-26T20:53:00.001-07:00

Artist Karole Turner Campbell of Charleston, SC sent these colorful hand-inked peace cards. Thanks so much!

Two Om Cards and Einstein

2009-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Artist Midge Hyde of La Mesa, CA sent these three gorgeous collage cards. Thanks for participating!

Transformation Oblivion/Infinity

2009-08-26T20:47:00.001-07:00

Amazing acrylic on postcard by WCA DC artist Hiro. Thanks so much!

Nuclear Sunbathing

2009-08-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

Here's another interesting card from Lauren Johnson-Williams of Half Moon Bay. Thanks for your contribution!

Runners for Peace

2009-08-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

These amazing cards were created by artist Cherie M. Redlinger of Alexandria, VA. Thanks for spreading the word against nuclear weapons!

Peace Words

2009-08-25T15:35:00.001-07:00

This fabulous card arrived from artist Cynthia Friedlob of Toluca Lake, CA. Thanks so much for participating!

Another Bike Againt War

2009-08-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the twelfth card created by artist Judy Johnson-Williams of Oakland, CA. Thank you for your clear message!

Cranes Bring Peace

2009-08-25T15:32:00.001-07:00

Here's another card from writer and scientist Bridget Wagner of San Francisco. Thanks for your great card!!

World Peace

2009-08-25T14:54:00.001-07:00

Peace Now! Our World is Precious!

A World at Peace

Two gorgeous painted cards by artist Elaine Reiter of San Mateo, CA. Thank you so much!!

Fourth World Conference on Women

2009-08-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Quite exciting! Two altered cards from artist Carole Richard Kaufmann of New York City. These postcards are from the Fourth World Conference on Women that took place in Beijing, China in 1995! Thank you so much Carole for sending these cards to this exhibition!!!

Sea Turtle for Peace!

2009-08-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

This sweet sea turtle and other sea life reminding us of why we don't want nuclear weapons was sent by artist Helen M. Langley in Illinois. Thanks so much!

Legacies

2009-08-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here are two beautiful painted postcards by WCA Colorado artist Diane J. Mayer. Thank you so much for your contribution!

Peace Azalea

2009-08-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

This beautiful e-tegami (self-made art postcard) was created by Deborah Davidson in Sapporo, Japan. She quoted an ancient poem that roughly translates to, "I wonder if I will see again, this beautiful path of blooming azaleas?" Deborah says, " I also wonder...as our world fights WAR after WAR - how much longer I will be able to enjoy the budding azaleas?" Utsukushii e-tegami domo arigato!

ICBM Blast Tunnel

2009-08-25T14:21:00.001-07:00

Artist Lee Lee of Albuquerque, NM painted this blast tunnel. The description says, " Abandoned ICBM Blast Tunnel - let the test dissolve back into the earth." Thank you so much Lee!

Weapons/Death

2009-08-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

This beautiful mixed media card was created by artist Paemal Flynn of Lake Como, NJ. Thank you so much for participating!

Ashes Speak for Themselves

2009-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today we pass a milestone: this card from artist Kati Casida of Berkeley, CA is the show's 200th!

She create a fragile card from ashes and wax with messages against nuclear bombs. Kati - I had to preserve the ashes and wax under packing tape - hope it doesn't offend. I do want to take this card intact to Mexico City. Thanks too for sending your heart throb pin!!

Many Call for Non-Radiactivity

2009-08-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

A second beautiful card arrived from Florentine artist Giorgio Reguicoli. Thanks so much!!

Peace Sculptures

2009-08-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

"Compassion is the Answer," Amma - the hugging saint

"Embrace the Non-violence Way!" Gandhi

Two more cards arrived from Joan Baliker, artist in Ormond Beach, Florida. Thanks for creating these beautiful peace sculptures!

No Fighting!

2009-08-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

Here's a card from six-year old aspiring artist, Jackson, from Palo Alto, CA. Thanks for your peace message!

Talk Listen

2009-08-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Clear message from artist Colleen Kelly Sanders of Rochester Hills, MI. Thanks for participating!

War and Bigotry

2009-08-23T18:23:00.001-07:00

Gail Thorne of San Francisco, CA sent these two messages for an open mind. Thanks so much, Gail!

Peace Bandaid

2009-08-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

A colorful earth heart-broken but held together by a peace bandage by Lara Barenz of Palo Alto, CA. Thanks for creating this beautiful card!

Hope, Not Hell

2009-08-23T18:20:00.001-07:00

A second amazing card by Leigh Toldi of Burlingame, CA. Thank you for creating this beautiful drawing!