UNF PAINTS ...

An Exhibition of the extraordinary Peace Mural by Huong
Lobby of the Fine Arts Center
September 30 - October 5, 2007

The University of North Florida is honored to showcase a 200-foot length Peace Mural created by artist Huong, a Vietnamese-born war refugee, peace activist, and internationally renowned artist. Huong will display her Peace Mural in the lobby of UNF’s Fine Arts Center, providing a fitting setting for a series of events throughout Peace Awareness Week and the Symposium on Conflict Transformation (October 4-6). The exhibition is free and open to the public. Huong’s work is generally on exhibit at the Art, War and Peace Museum in Jenson Beach, Florida. Her workcan be viewed at www.huong.org.

Interactive Workshops with Huong & the Peace Mural
Wednesday, Oct. 3rd: 11:30-2pm and 4:30-6pm
Thursday, Oct. 4th: 2:30-4:30pm
Location: In front of the Fine Arts Center, under the Southwest Overhang;
These workshops are concurrent with the Peace Festival on the Green

UNF students, staff, faculty, administrators, and the Jacksonville public are invited to meet Houng and take part in one of three very special interactive sessions with the Peace Mural. These are open-ended sessions so that participants can come and go as they like, spending as much time as they like during the designated times when Huong will be present. Participants will be invited to experience the mural and to reflect upon their own personal thoughts about the challenge of peacemaking and the transformation of conflict, and then to add their own words to the Peace Mural. Participants will also have the opportunity to share in reflective dialogue with others about the impact of the mural, and to consider what actions they might take to make a stand for peace in the world. Food and refreshments will be available as part of the Peace Festival on the Green.

Testimonials about Huong’s work                                                             
“Moving artwork. Your vision, strength and courage are truly
 an inspiration to all of us.”
~Betty Gee, Yale University

“Es este un testimonio de categoría monumental, un grito que
parece decir ‘Basta!’ a tanta injusticia y tanto crimen, porque
la guerra es eso: injusticia y crimen.”
~Raul M. Oyuela, Fla  Museum of Hispanic &  Latin American Art

“The exhibit is impressive, attractive and educational. We appreciate your contribution to the University.”
~Chang Lee, University of Central Florida

“We were especially moved by the debut of the thought-provoking “War Pieces.” Your commentary brought the pieces alive and awakened in everyone’s consciousness the utter pain and futility of war. Thank you for your art, impassioned thoughts and spirit.” ~Barbara Rogan, Renaissance 2000

“Unforgettable statements against the evils of war.” ~Jorge H. Santis, Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale

“We are very impressed with the message of your work as well as your powerful and enticing images.”
~Tara McGowan McDonnell, Norton Museum of Art, Boca Raton, FL

“Surrounded by your powerful art, transfixed by your stories of courage reflected from your heart,
A visit with you is empowering, opening minds and our eyes to our role as peacemakers.”
~Marianna Green, Brandeis University National Women’s Committee

“On behalf of Princeton University Press, I would like to reiterate our pleasure at reproducing your work.”
~Maura Roessner, Princeton University Press

“Your motivation and message are admirable and heartwarming. I congratulate you on the prescience of your message for today’s world.” ~Susan Krane, Director, Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, AZ

“Passionate and beautiful.” ~Jacquelyn Days Serwer, Curator, Corcoran Museum of Art, Wash. D.C.

 “This exhibit is breathtaking. The chills that run down my spine can not be put in words. We have to relay this message throughout the world. ‘War is not the answer!’” ~Rochelle Renfroe, Miami, FL

“The emotions you portray in your work touch my soul. Words can’t describe the beauty imprinted on these canvasses.” ~Luis Valle, Miami, FL

"The interactive part made us part of the art and weavers of Peace;  I especially enjoyed the chance to add my thoughts to the mural." ~Attendee, Fla. Coalition for Peace & Justice Convention, Gainesville, June, 2006;
 
"Her workshop was a real opportunity for touching hearts with a meaningful experience that allowed for our
appreciation, expression and awareness of our global connections." ~Attendee, Fla. Coalition for Peace & Justice Convention, Gainesville, June, 2006;

For More Information, contact:
Dr. John W. Frank
University of North Florida   
Email: jfrank@unf.org