'Peaces' of art

Button and magnet workshop at the IAC promotes peace

Alaina Burnham photo During the IAC workshop, students had the opportunity to create buttons and stickers for International Day of Peace.

Troy University’s International Arts Center held an art workshop that gave students another opportunity to take part in the annual campus-wide Peace Walk on Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace.

The workshop allowed students to create peace-themed magnets and buttons. Afterwards, students were able to take their creations home, now having a little reminder of the peace walk and the significance behind it.

“I think it’s an amazing thing that Troy is doing,” said attendee Dazariah Appling, a dual-enrolled student from Pike County High School. “It brings people together to talk about their differences and where they come from.”

The peace walk followed the recent passing of renowned artist Fred “Nall” Hollis, whose work ‘Violata Pax’ also known as ‘The Peace Dove.’ The dove is featured heavily in the peace walk and its advertising. Those participating gather around the dove statue at the end of the peace walk.

“He [Nall] loved the fact that it was used in part of the celebration,” said director and curatorof the IAC Carrie Jaxon. “It’s a very appropriate time to gather around it during our peace walk.”

“It’s a celebration of unity and peace,” Jaxon said. “We celebrate our diversity and the fact that we have so many people from around the world together in one place.”

The peace walk and its workshops are highly encouraged by the IAC. The event is free to the public.

“It’s something to remember what peace stands for,” said Alexandria Ashendorf, a junior graphic design major and graphic design assistant of Carrie Jaxon. “Being a military child, I’ve seen a lot of conflict through my dad.

“Peace expands through the entire world and should be practiced throughout.”

Also in the IAC, Troy University art and design students joined the festivities with their own peace-themed poster contest. The posters were displayed outside the IAC during the peace walk. First place, second place and third place winners of the poster contest can be found on the IAC instagram, @IAC_Troyuniversity.

To learn more, read “ISCO Peace Walk” on page 2.