War Toys to be Transformed into Peace Art

Many parents are concerned that today’s children are inundated with violent toys, videos, and computer games. Teachers who share that concern are working on an innovative art project to transform war toys into peace art.

Coquitlam teacher Susan Ruzic first consulted with parents, colleagues, and administrators before launching her appeal for students to donate war toys to create peace sculptures. “The children have responded enthusiastically,” Ruzic said. “The toy donation box at our school is overflowing!”

Ruzic is one of many local teachers volunteering on the International Peace Education Conference, which will take place June 25-27 as part of the World Peace Forum. Local artist Bill Thomson will work with students to create peace sculptures that will be displayed at the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

Teachers are also being encouraged to pre-register their classes for workshops to transform their war toys into peace art. Workshops are being offered at the Museum of Anthropology on May 8, 9, 10 and June 20, 21, 22 and will be facilitated by artists, teachers, and MOA staff. (Space is limited and requires advance registration.) A selection of work made from the workshops or as classroom projects will be exhibited at the Museum of Anthropology from June 20, 2006.