I just received word that my painting “War Child” was selected for The Peace Project which is being put on by The Whole 9. In addition to being selected, “War Child” also won the Peace Maker Award, which is one of the highest honors.

The Peace Project is an international collaborative art competition and exhibition created to connect peace-minded individuals everywhere.

Artists from around the world submitted work that expressed their vision of peace. 150 pieces were selected from over 700 submissions spanning over 30 countries. The selected pieces will make up a mosaic that will be exhibited in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

To select the participating artwork and highest honors, The Peace Project turned to a very esteemed panel of judges.

Karen Blessen Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist

Sylvia Laudien Gallery Lecturer & Educator, Guggenheim and MoMA, New York

Claudia Hinterseer Managing Director, NOOR Photo Agency

Gail Gaynin Founder & Principal, Morgan Gaynin

Frank Meo Photographer’s Representative, New York

Mark Balet Founder & Creative Director, Mixed Business, New York

Peter Clothier Novelist, Art Critic, and Blogger

The Peace Project exhibition dates are as follows:

Los Angeles — Opening Saturday, September 25, 5:30pm – 10:00pm (runs through November 6)

Gallery 9

6101 Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232

San Francisco — One Night Only, Tuesday, November 9, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Meridian Gallery

535 Powell Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

New York – TBD

To find out more:

http://www.thewhole9.com/thepeaceproject-info.php

About my painting, “War Child”

In 2009, I was selected as the Featured Artist for New York’s Freedom Week. I painted the portraits of people who have been greatly affected by have their freedom robbed from them. One of my subjects was of Emmanuel Jal. Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier turned musician/peace activist. Instead of me telling his story here, you should see it yourself. The documentary “War Child” is the story of Emmanuel Jal. Here is a link to the movie’s website http://www.warchildmovie.com/.

I painted Emmanuel’s portrait while painting live at Heist Gallery in New York City.

I am honored to be selected as the representing artist of NYC’s first Freedom Week. I will be doing the portrait of former child soldier turned hip-hop artist and activist, Emmanuel Jal.

About Freedom Week:
Freedom Week is a coalition of abolitionists working to raise awareness about the 27 million people currently enslaved and/or trafficked here in the U.S. and abroad. Our goal is to fight modern-day slavery by inspiring action and providing opportunities for advocacy. Contemporary slavery can be abolished. It begins with one person investing in freedom.

Full details: http://freedomweeknyc.com