Visitors study the mural at "Art for Peace."

Artwork created by individuals served by Anixter Center was on display for much of July at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Lincoln Park. The exhibit, “Art for Peace,” opened on July 8 in the exhibition space at the church. Art for Peace is an art therapy group established at Anixter Center in 2002. Anixter Center provides art therapy services through the Wellness track of the Community Resources and Support Department. More than 50 participants shared their work and intentions of making art with the hope of contributing to peace within themselves, among each other and in the world.

The exhibit included more than a dozen “wrap dolls” made of yarn, fabric and other materials. The dolls are interspersed with the words of the nonviolent intentions of the Art for Peace group. A colorful mural in the center of the gallery displayed the word “hope.” The mural was created by Art for Peace to remember the second anniversary of September 11, 2001. “Peace flags,” based on Buddhist prayer flags, adorned the entrance to the gallery. There also was an interactive area for visitors to offer statements of peace and share in creating art.