Testimonials About Huong's Peace Mural at the University of North Florida (Jacksonville)
Celia Miller, Jacksonville
Julie Harbers, UNF Student
“Thanks so much for coming here to UNF! Those lacking imagination cannot imagine what is lacking.” David Clapp, UNF Student “At first I am overwhelmed … then I start the first step to see individual pieces, each telling a story in its unique voice. I continue to see the many small voices for peace in each piece. I get disoriented and need to step back. Looking at your work from a higher collective view, I hear the voices for peace among the noise of war, suffering and pain …. cutting through our reality, and calling us for change in the world. I am a better person in seeing your work here. Thank you.” Vanessa Pagan, Gainesville
“I love the message, the colors, and everything about the Mural!” Brianna Scott, UNF Student “I am greatly inspired, as an artist, a child of God, and a lover of peace. Literature and art have awakened many to the fact that the individual still counts, and never to give up the hope for a peaceful world.” Rosemary O’Malley, Jacksonville “Beautiful … moving … alive! We need more art and we need more artists. We need art to achieve peace.” April Hutchinson-Green, Jacksonville “You have expressed my feelings in ways I have never been able to.” David Parker, Jacksonville “Creative, innovative, provocative!” Reginald Dawson, Jacksonville “This is fabulous and so important. The impact of decisions to promote war and violence must see the light of day. When perpetrators can hide behind closed doors, the public can permit itself to burn a blind eye. This exhibit obligates the viewer to make a choice to act and be part of the solution or not act and be part of the problem. Those leaders who want to promote war should be obligated to fight them. It is child abuse to send 18 year olds to war. Generations of children are destroyed by participation in war or by being the innocent bystanders who observe the death and destruction. Wars should only be fought by people over 50. Peace will quickly follow. Milanie Hatfield, Jacksonville
peace are all evoked. I like the use of lots of red, white, and blue because for me, it positively connects peace and patriotism. I also like all the different visions of doves. The doves that appear to be bleeding make me very sad, but also outraged. I think back to Bush’s ridiculous “Mission Accomplished” banner and it makes me thing we can’t stop working for peace till peace becomes a “Mission Accomplished.” I also think the world would move toward peace if more women were in charge because women would be less likely to send other people’s sons to be killed. In addition, I’d like to see the progress of justice, so that all people would have adequate jobs and resources. Then, maybe, the military would be less attractive to young people and poor people as a career.” Julie Unger, Littleton, Co
message. Stay strong in your gift. You have not only informed, but inspired so many!” Maria Perry, Jacksonville “Moving and powerful, it makes the insanity of conflict so clear.” Elizabeth Copeland, Jacksonville “Fantastic textures in the artwork. This body of work represents an obsession with the noblest of causes. Thank you so much for bringing the Peace Mural to UNF! I was awed” Erica Laird, UNF Student “For the young people in the world, I pledge that we would not inherit the wars, carnage and tribulations of this world from our ancestors and that we would not borrow the peace and love of its future from our children and those yet unborn. James-Emmanuel Wanki, (Participant in UNF Symposium on Conflict Transformation during Peace Awareness Week, visiting from University of Limerick, Ireland;) “I absolutely loved it! It made me feel very privileged. I especially like the part that has peace in all the different languages, and that the thought is universal. I will never forget the look in the eyes of the child soldiers.” Marie-Clair Levy, Jacksonville
because these things aren’t happening in the US.” Adeeba Spann, Jacksonville “Its wonderful. The thoughts about peace and pictures match perfectly. I believe that this exhibit will give lessons to many who need it and help the world in spreading peace. With peace, our lives will be better and there will be no violence at all. Everyone should be happy and enjoy their lives with no fear.” Mary Chen, Jacksonville
with each person we encounter. We must have contagious attitudes of peace.” Ben Blackshear, Ponte Vedra Beach “”The combination of quotes, pictures, and words all convey an idea of peace for the world that is truly inspiring. The future for peace is in the children. They are the ones who need to be educated on how to live peacefully.” Katie Steward, Jacksonville “This was a very eye-opening experience for me. It really makes you stop to think about everything going on in the world and what you can do about it.” Shannon Novakoski, Ponte Vedra Beach
to all steer the boat in the same direction.” Henry Thomas, UNF Faculty “I love that the Mural is so participatory, as peace will require action from all of us.” Leah Donelan, Jacksonville “War doesn’t show who’s better off, only who’s left.” Jenna Thompson, UNF Student “We must heal this world by any means necessary.” Paula Neimeyer, UNF Faculty “Your artwork is a wonderful way for us to build community in solidarity with peacemaking. Thank you very much for the beautiful way you help express the need for peace and our collective efforts for it.” Candice Carter, UNF Faculty
cold not be displayed any more obviously for people to absorb it. Thou shalt love your neighbor as thyself!” Ashley Greene, UNF Student
where there is hatred and chaos and violence. Peace begins in the heart, in relationships in families and in communities. Thank you for your education for peace work. It is what the Christ has taught us to do.” Kathleen Underwood, Jacksonville |
September 30 - October 6, 2007
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