Mixed Media Creativity for Peace
A group of 16 high school girls from Israel and Palestine are currently attending a summer program in Northern New Mexico called Creativity for Peace. The camp, now in its 18th year, is designed to foster dialogue and understanding between two groups that have been raised to regard each other with suspicion, prejudice, and hostility. The girls engage in art projects and other activities that build empathy and conflict-resolution skills, which they take back to their home countries and their futures as leaders and peacemakers. Ten girls from Santa Fe participate in selected activities with the campers for one week, during which the public is invited to two events: Chalk4Peace on Sunday, July 24, at 2 p.m. on the Railyard Plaza, and Salaam~Shalom: Songs and Stories of Peace, on Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m. at the James A. Little Theater at the New Mexico School for the Deaf (1060 Cerrillos Road). Chalk4Peace, which is free, features chalk art created by all the young women. Salaam~Shalom is a fundraiser and reception for Creativity for Peace. It includes a screening of the documentary film East Jerusalem, West Jerusalem by Israeli musician David Broza, who recorded music for eight days in Palestinian East Jerusalem with Israeli, Palestinian, and American musicians. Young Leaders — camp alumni who are now junior counselors — also talk about their experiences at camp and how it affected their lives afterward. Tickets to Salaam~Shalom cost $30 in advance, available at www.creativityforpeace.com, or $40 at the door ($15 for students and no charge for children under twelve). — Jennifer Levin