by Valerie Carpenter, Director of Creativity for Peace’s art program

This past summer proved to be an experience of the richest kind. With the awful reality of war ever-present, our dreams of peace were clouded with sorrow and despondence. Yet through all of our trials we held true to the course of peacemaking. We listened to each other and we created art with one another.

During the first camp session, Big Mama was born of the earth. A large feminine figure created from mud, sand, and straw, she grounded us all in a resolute confidence of a better way for our world.

Second-session campers created a mandorla, an ancient symbol of overlapping circles. The making of this large collage was a practice of hope and healing. The mandorla comprises a union of opposites that transcends the “either/or” dichotomy.

We did many other projects and had many great people contribute to the art experience. This year we were assisted by Creativity for Peace’s young leaders, former campers who have returned to add their heart and energy to working toward peace. Their dedication and intention humble me and fill me with incredible gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of peacemaking.

I would also like to thank my amazing staff from Southwestern College and our visiting artists for their contributions, energy, and great care. A special thanks to Chrissy Schmitt, full-time intern, and to Erin McConnell, full-time volunteer, without whom this summer would not have been possible.

Newsletters, Spring 2007 | No Comments »

We are proud to introduce these eight individuals who dedicate their time and considerable talents to furthering the goals of Creativity for Peace.

Dottie Indyke (president/acting executive director) is a freelance journalist and art critic and a communications consultant for nonprofits.

Joyce Testa Salhoot (vice-president) is a retired hospital administrator and social worker with a 45-year career in nonprofit healthcare and volunteerism.

Elizabeth Martin (secretary) is an attorney and a special projects director for Homewise.

Roxanna Miller (treasurer) is the director of operations for the Nature Conservancy.

John Connell is a professional chef who, after many years in the restaurant industry, works for private clients.

Nancy Dickenson is a documentary film producer and philanthropist with an interest in animal welfare, children, and the arts.

Rachel Kaufman is the founder and executive director of Creativity for Peace and brings 40 years experience as a psychologist, educator, and social activist.

Paul Kovnat is a Santa Fe physician with a lifelong interest in social and political activism.

Leslie Nathanson Juris runs a consulting business that advises family businesses on managing complex organizational change.

Newsletters, Spring 2007 | No Comments »

by Sylvi Margia, Israeli coordinator, Creativity for Peace

Planning our recent gathering in Jerusalem took a lot of work, but it was worth it. We are creating a new world for the girls - a world that requires overcoming many barriers, both within us and outside us. I am feeling the winds of change and this increases my hopes.

Almost all the girls from the 2006 camp session came to this gathering. While handling the travel permits for the Palestinian group is my biggest fear, it all worked out beautifully. Kol senevakesh lo yehe - Hebrew for “all we ask, shall it be.”

I want to share some truths from our meeting.

It takes great courage to become a peacemaker. Each girl is brave and is beginning to recognize her own courage.

We teach the young women to search and to experience the world through different eyes, ears, and hearts.

We have all learned to deal with our fears after meeting the “other” - the one we saw before only as the enemy.

Little changes have a big influence and make a big difference.

As human beings we share the same feelings. We need one another to express our feelings of love so we can heal our pain, accept ourselves, and be proud of who we are.

I shall quote Baraa, a camper: “I don’t have to pick a side (Israeli or Palestinian) to belong to. What I really have is the ability to speak my mind, defend my beliefs, and express my feelings in a peaceful way.”

From Baraa’s words we learn an important lesson about the effectiveness of Creativity for Peace. Many of the Arab girls living in Israel feel that they should align with Palestinians. Now they recognize that they don’t need to do this, that they have the opportunity and space to express their own pain.

I feel blessed to be part of this program and send all Creativity for Peace supporters love, light, and peace.

“I never thought in my whole life that I would meet `the other side’ or talk to them or even sleep with them in the same room. After the camp experience, I cannot describe how thankful I am. It caused me to build a relationship with a most beautiful girl, Noa, who has and will have a major effect on my life. So I simply want to say ‘thank you Creativity for Peace.’ ”

- H., Palestinian

“This is what my Palestinian friend, sitting on my right, said. `If we really want, and if we hold each other’s hand, we can really put this wall down.’ Can you imagine what it is like for me, a Jewish Israeli teenage girl, that had never met a Palestinian before, and who only lives a few miles away from them, to hear a sentence like this? I can hardly imagine it, even though it is true.

This feeling of warmth and caring that was radiating from this young Palestinian I will never forget! A magical wave of hope filled my whole body and I hope that this feeling never leaves me. I pray for each and every one of you to have someone like H. in your life, who will always give you hope, be caring and loving.

- N., Jewish Israeli

Newsletters, Spring 2007 | No Comments »