Nonviolent Seaford Hosts Visionary Peace Youth Art Reception
More than 30 people attended the reception for Seaford, Delaware’s Visionary Peace Youth Artists in June 2023. Hosted by the Seaford District Library, organized by Nonviolent Seaford, the art display celebrated the participation of young people in the state-wide program. Eighteen pieces of art were framed (thanks to Library Director Jerry Keiser) and a catered reception was held in the artists’ honor.
Each piece pairs a visual image of peace with an artist’s statement on what peace means and why it is important. The work of these young peacemakers will be on display at Seaford District Library through the end of the month, and six of the pieces will travel throughout the entire state of Delaware as they are displayed at libraries, hospitals, faith houses, and public buildings over the next six months.
The town mayor, a city council member, President of the Library Board, and Itzel Aguilar (a local muralist) congratulated the young artists. Rev. Idola Batson, Pastor at Mt. Calvary AME Church in Concord, DE, gave a passionate speech encouraging the youth:
“Keep reaching for the stars. You are amazing. Harmony, equity and justice are goals to be achieved. We encourage each of you to pursue them to make our world better and more peaceful. The artwork you have produced is a visual representation of your thoughts and hopes for the future. Art communicates words through pictures and symbols.
“I encourage you to be a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. Use your words to create a positive atmosphere at home, in school and wherever you find yourself at work or play. Peace is about taking action. Let’s make the world a better place. Let’s promote peace and end violence. When you see something, say something. When you see something, do something. Let your words express kindness for all forms of life. Be positive and be thankful.
“Today we have been given opportunities and strategies that promote Peace & Nonviolence. I challenge all, youth and adults, peacemakers and peacekeepers, in the next 7 days to do something that will promote personal peace and communal peace.”
The art contest, display, and reception were organized by Beth Kopicki, coordinator of Nonviolent Seaford. Nonviolent Seaford is part of the nationwide Nonviolent Cities Project, a network of groups working to advance nonviolent solutions and actions in cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the United States.
Nonviolent Seaford has been active in numerous efforts throughout their community. Recently, Beth and her granddaughter Chloe tabled at the public library in conjunction with the nationwide day of action #WearOrange to End Gun Violence. In collaboration with the Delaware Coalition to End Gun Violence, Nonviolent Seaford passed out information and gun locks, as well as orange stickers and other items to help to publicize the cause. Children decorated orange painted rocks with messages of peace. Several library patrons signed posters indicating their desire to end gun violence. Other individuals shared their stories of losing loved ones to gun violence.
Last week Nonviolent Seaford participated in the Library's Summer Reading Program kickoff, providing information to the adults and coloring and activity pages from Campaign Nonviolence's Action Days resources to young people. With several hundred attendees, they were kept busy painting peace rocks also.
Nonviolent Seaford continues to organize events and actions to advance peace and nonviolence, and interrupt cycles of violence.
Connect with Nonviolent Seaford, DE. Find out more about the Nonviolent Cities Program.