Artists for World Peace, Inc.

It was our tremendous honor and privilege to host the International Peace Belt as part of the Women’s Art Show at Arts + Literature Laboratory in New Haven on March 11th, the first anniversary of the US invasion in Iraq. Hearing Wendy Black-Nasta, the visionary mother of the International Peace Belt, share the story of its mission, having a chance to see a video clip from its celebrated visit to Korea, and watching it come alive on the hips of a gifted and beautiful dancer created an energy in the room—that many of those in the audience described as at once moving and motivational. People were affected—they began to think about ways in which they might contribute, not only to the mission of the Belt, but to Wendy’s larger vision of serving others in the Native American tradition she described as “The Great Giveaway.” In the few days since the event at ALL, I have learned that people from the audience have come forth to offer their help in bringing the Belt to Russia, to Jordan, to Hawaii, and to Ground Zero. The ever-expanding collection of coins on the Peace Belt, linked one to the next by delicate silver circles, is a beautiful symbol of the “insect work” of peace—which is the simple, repetitive act of joining. Artists for World Peace is an organization whose work is an endless, tireless, and selfless gesture of ever-expanding connections—one culture to another, one economic class to another, one time period to another, one place to another, on family to another, one community to another. That this can be accomplished through the universal language of art is a gift and inspiration to us all. We traveled the world that evening, beginning with Wendy’s Native American tribal wisdom, transported to Korea’s ceremonial dancers, dazzled by Zohar’s dance in a costume she fashioned from Afghani tribal jewelry, and energized by the soulful sounds of world instruments by the gifted musicians Bob Nasta and Jodan. It was impossible to simply watch this performance. We couldn’t help but feel, for at least a little time, ourselves linked together by this exquisite symbol of our common humanity. Thank you, Wendy, for offering us such a beautiful reminder of our true purpose on this fragile planet, and a hopeful sign of peace for our children.

Suzanne Heyd
Literary Arts Program Director
Arts + Literature Laboratory
www.allgallery.org

Photographers: Matt Urban and Patrick Monohan