GMC News
GMC Prep art students do Pinwheels for Peace
Pinwheels for Peace
On Friday, September 20, 2019, Georgia Military College Prep School hosted an international art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace. To celebrate International Day of Peace, students planted pinwheels on the west lawn of campus, between Sibley Cone Library and the Old Capitol building. GMC Prep art students and Art Club members designed pinwheels of various shapes and sizes by writing their thoughts about war and peace, tolerance and living in harmony with others on one side of the pinwheel. On the other side students drew, painted, and created a collage to visually express those feelings in an artistic way. Also on Friday, GMC hosted the POW/MIA Recognition Day Command Retreat, where visitors were able to see the pinwheels firsthand.
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project that was created by two Florida art teachers in 2005. The project now has approximately 500,000 pinwheels spinning across the globe. GMC Prep School Visual Arts Director, Paige Barlow, says this is an important project for students to express themselves.
“It's important for us to find a balance in life as to what makes us calm and free of anxiety,” said Barlow. “The arts are one way to illustrate what makes a person at peace. The significance of this is that they will see that they were part of a collaboration to bring peace to themselves and the viewers who are able to see the art installation. It’s not only a school project, but a message for individuals, families, friends, communities, and the world to come together and be at peace. Be open to one another, listen to one another, and strive to be at peace.”
Peace can take on different meanings, but the definition is simple: “a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups of people.” For more information on Pinwheels for Peace, visit https://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com.
