There were many conflicts between them in the early stages of working together. They had to learn to trust each other and become as confident in their joint creations as they were in their own individual art expressions. They had a common experience and a shared vision. They needed to work through diversity of style and conflict to become equal partners and reach consensus. Their desire not to let the world forget, and their desire for peace and peace education has been translated into a lasting, visual memory.
Art is a lasting impression that teaches the following generations of past atrocities.
To Speak for Peace is a demonstration of public art, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and honoring all people who speak for peace and who understand human rights and needs. Denny Sponsler and Mary Eileen Sorenson developed a two-week curriculum based on a variety of resources. A thread carried through the two-week workshop was a collection of images, songs, poems, and words of people throughout history, from all parts of the world, who have struggled for peace and human rights. U.N. human rights documents, images, symbols, icons, and banners of war and peace decorated the walls of the classroom as participants explored the history of friendship and sacrifice that are the cause of joy and hope in a troubled world. Due to the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II and the beginning of the U.N., visitors from UNA-MN and other peace organizations came to the class and helped the participants focus on the relationship between the obligation to respect human rights and to speak for peace.