On Friday May 5th at the annual GVCA Members Exhibit, Julia Stewart was chosen to receive the 6th annual GVCP/GVCA Paula Henry Peace award for her beautiful artwork commemorating the life and work of Thich Nhat Hanh.
GVCP chose Julia Stewart’s piece because it invokes peace, and because of who Thich Nhat Hanh was. Thich Nhat Hanh was a true peace activist, and lived his life from the perspective of peace.
Julia’s beautifully rendered footprints piece, with a quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, “Peace Is Every Step”, is also the title of a book he wrote. Thich Nhat Hanh was a peace activist, exiled from South Vietnam for decades after speaking out against the war in Vietnam and refusing to take sides. MLK Jr. nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. He was a Buddhist monk, a well known author, poet and teacher. Thich Nhat Hanh died just last year. It takes great courage to take the unwavering stand of peace.
Thank you to GVCP members who came out for the celebration!
About the Paula Henry Peace Award
In collaboration with GVCA, Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace presents the Paula Henry Peace award to the artist whose artwork most reflects the theme of peace. The Paula Henry Peace Award honors the work and values of our dear friend Paula Henry, who passed away in 2017. Paula was an artist, and a longtime member of both GCVP and GVCA. The winning piece will be selected by judges representing GVCA and GVCP, and will receive a $250 cash award.