If “every vote counts” has been an ongoing mantra throughout Election 2000, you might say that “every voice counts” is the idea behind organizers of the Middle East Peace Quilt, a reaction to the recent tensions in Israel that has culminated in a work of art dedicated to a meaningful, peaceful dialogue between Jews and Palestinians.
Sponsored by the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, this international community art project, produced by Canadian artist Sima Elizabeth Shefrin with the intention of bringing together Israelis and Palestinians, features more than 200 contributors from all over the world, from artists to novices.”Everyone who’s seen this has been very impressed by it,” said Eric Gordon, director of Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, Southern California District, of the quilt, which spans 30 panels. “Before we actually got it, I just didn’t realize that it’s as huge as it is and as beautiful as it is. The amount of work that went into this is just staggering.”
The exhibit of this unique creative endeavor wraps up this weekend, after which it will be displayed at a church in Portland, Ore. In the meantime, at the Workmen’s Circle, all they are saying is give the Peace Quilt a chance.
The Middle East Peace Quilt will be exhibited at A Shenere Velt Gallery, Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, through Dec. 3. For more information, call (310) 552-2007 or go to www.circle.org.
