Westerville Public Library
I had heard about the Global Art Project for Peace a few years ago, and decided that this was something I wanted to do at my library. This is a global art exchange program to promote peace and unity around the world through art. So, I contacted the organization and found out that many libraries get involved! How it works is, I had to give them an estimate on how many pieces of artwork we would produce. Then the organization will match us up with other groups to try to get approximately the same amount back. As an Outreach Program Librarian, I try to involve the people who cannot physically come into the library, so I also sent out flyers to all of our senior facilities. Happily, many of them wanted to be involved! Between our senior facilities and some adult and children participants at the library, we had about 60 pieces of art, which we displayed at the library for a Global Art Reception.
After the reception, I mailed the art out to the two organizations with which we were matched - Morocco and American Samoa. I emailed both of the contacts to let them know the art was on the way and heard back from Morocco. Unfortunately, their art event was cancelled and they still haven't been able to create their artwork yet. But they are planning to soon. I have not heard back from American Samoa. I believe the Global Arts Project for Peace is every other year. Overall, I would say this was a very fun program. I think the seniors and children especially enjoyed creating art. However, I am curious to see what we will get back. I hope we get something soon!