Peace cranes on show at Arklow Visual Arts

PAPER CRANES folded by an Arklow artist are due to go on show as part of the latest exhibition at Arkow Visual Arts Gallery.

Local origami artist Michaela Bertsch has spent the last few months folding 1,000 paper cranes, also known as peace cranes.

The origami crane has become a symbol of peace due to the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was at Hiroshima when the bomb fell. Sadako Sasaki, spent her last 14 months in hospital folding cranes in the hope that her wish to get well and bring peace to the world would come true.

Former Irish president Mary Robinson has encouraged people to fold paper cranes to mark the 75th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by US forces with nuclear weapons. Japanese folklore says the person who folds 1,000 paper cranes will have a wish granted.

Earlier in the year, Michaela made a tropical island out of folded paper. Her origami cranes will be among the works by local artists on show at the Arklow Visual Arts Gallery’s member exhibition which continues until Friday, October 5 at their Main Street premises.

The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free and all are welcome to come along and admire the art on display.

RIGHT: Some of the cranes created by Michaela Bertsch.