LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Peace Week kicked off on Sunday afternoon with a Painting for Peace event that was held on 7th Street in Little Rock.
"Why is peace important? It's everything. Everything is peace. Because even with environmental things, I mean, everything you do, you've got to create peace any anytime we're hurting the environment," said Tanya Hollifield, Director of Arkansas Peace Week.
"You know that causes a shift in earth, and that does not bring peace to us," she added.
Peace Week began in 2015 to call attention to violence, not just in the Natural State, but around the world. Since then, the event has flourished— it has become an annual event that hopes to educate and promote peacemaking in our society.
It also aims to raise awareness of organizations that have been working to build a lasting peace in Arkansas.
"We're here to raise awareness of organizations that are trying to build a broader piece, not just not fighting, not being at war, but creating a science, a society where everybody can get along and be successful," explained Bob Estes, Chairperson for Arkansas Peace Week Chairperson.
On Sunday, state leaders, community members, and more came together to add to the colorful wall of messages on 7th Street. They did this through works of art. To celebrate its 9th year of service for the City of Little Rock, state representative Melissa Mitchell proclaimed September 15 as "Painting for Peace Day."
"It's extremely important to express ourselves through art. I can't tell someone how to look at a piece of art, a wall, or a mural. I can't tell anyone how to walk around a sculpture and take it in. It's their own experience, and having artwork that brings a message is gonna hit home for everyone," described Lo Patt, a Little Rock artist.
Patt was one of many artists who were at the event to paint in hopes of spreading messages of love and awareness towards social injustices, racial inequality, and more.
During Sunday's event, peace radiated through the many conversations, smiles, murals, and food — showcasing that peace has no limitation.
Arkansas Peace Week runs from September 15 – 22, 2024.
For more information on additional Arkansas Peace Week events taking place in the Little Rock area, please click here.