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Mending Fences: Displaying Signs of Peace

Melissa Cox Norris, Acting Public Information Officer, melissa.norris@uc.edu

Marking the anniversary of 9/11, the University of Cincinnati held numerous events to pay honor to the victims of the terrorist attacks as well as to foster healing. One such program held October 1-2 turned the construction fence at McMicken Commons into an art canvas for UC and the Greater Cincinnati community to create posters expressing themes of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation. The University provided the materials for making the posters, and residence hall counselors, residents, international students, as well as students in psychology, social work, and other classes made posters that expressed their fears, anxieties, and hopes for a more peaceful future. It is the hope of "Mending Fences" organizers that the posters will serve as symbols for healing and peace both locally and internationally.

Some of the posters created in "Mending Fences" will be on display in Langsam and Blegen Libraries now through December. "University Libraries was proud to get involved in the 'Mending Fences' program," said Dean and University Librarian Victoria Montavon. "As a gathering place for students and faculty alike, we felt Langsam and Blegen Libraries were the perfect venues for displaying the art created by members of the UC community."

Organizers of "Mending Fences" worked with Steve Sunderland, UC professor of social work, to organize this program as part of his "Posters 4 Peace/Village" initiative, started in April 2001 in response to the riots in Cincinnati. The organization seeks to promote healing and peace in the aftermath of the riots, the 9/11 tragedy, and the continued conflict in the Middle East. Over 100 organizations have created over 5,000 posters and participated in discussions of healing and peace.

"'Posters 4 Peace/Village' continues to work with organizations on the development of imaginative approaches to peace and healing," said Sunderland. "The premise of the work is that peace and healing are especially needed now. The opportunity to share one's perspective through a picture, a group discussion, and an exhibit of diverse viewpoints is an exciting educational experience. Some people learn to reflect on their deep feelings and their recent experiences through a process of drawing, discussion, and reflection."

For more information on "Posters 4 Peace/Village," write Steve Sunderland at sundersc@email.uc.edu, or call (513) 542-4709.