World Peacemakers Hall of Fame: The History of Peace Makers

World Peacemakers Hall of Fame:
The Worlds History of Peace Makers

By Eugene Schiopota

MAHATMA GANDHI

During years of leadership and resistance against the British colonization of the Indian subcontinent, Mahatma Gandhi's beliefs never wavered on nonviolence. Gandhi's philosophy on nonviolence was his trademark: "Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." He stood firm in his beliefs on nonviolent protest (i.e., passive resistance including hunger strikes) and religious tolerance. When Hindus and Muslims committed acts of violence, whether against the ruling British (or against each other), he fasted until the fighting would cease. He was imprisoned many years for treason against the British Crown. Well-versed in yoga and meditation, he used his mind to not only endure, but conquer his imprisonment. Starved for extensive periods of food, drink and human companionship, he learned to stay alive and not give in. The British, in a struggle to hold on to a valuable colony, wanted him to publicly recant his beliefs in the cause of Indian freedom and cease his resistance efforts.

The British finally relented (in 1947), not to a military victory, but over-overwhelmingly to a triumph of the human will. Subsequently with independence, the countries of India and Pakistan were born--with Gandhi emerging as a hero and father of a new Indian Nation.


NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela spent most of his life as a prisoner of the government of White-apartheid South Africa for acts of sabotage and treason (the usual reaction of an occupier to dissent). He often gazed at the ceiling of his cell and imagined tropical islands and women among the paint splotches and cracks. Such things occupied his mind and retained his sanity. Many hunger strikes and silent days blended into a 30-year ordeal of imprisonment. Times changed and the overriding bloodbath of whites vs. blacks never occurred as cooler heads on both sides prevailed. Mandela was released in 1990 and went on to assume the presidency of a new biracial republic. Mandela's accomplishment of reconciling whites and blacks in one of history's most cruelly divided nations is a phenomena of almost miraculous success.


MARTIN LUTHER KING

He was not a perfect man or a saint. But when he got behind the podium the World changed. Like Jesus, he brought the poor and disenfranchised the one thing they really needed--HOPE. We knew already that what he said was true--everyone knew deep inside that all races and ethnicity's were equal in front of man and G-d. He taught us that to sustain racism was to deny our own intelligence, to deny humanity itself. And yes, the government stalked him and called him a communist, but he was a man beyond political systems and the facades of society. The assassin's bullet could not quiet THE DREAM. But with freedom comes a responsibility to improve society and stamp out hatred. If King were alive today, he would be concerned about our world. How the minorities fight the wars that only the rich benefit from. How the last presidential election went down. The death of the middle class in America. I dreamed of Dr. King and saw tears in his eyes.....


MOHAMED ANWAR EL-SADAT

President of the Arab Republic of Egypt 1970-1981. Sadat was a man of great vision. He laid a foundation for peace in 1977 when he paid a historic visit to Jerusalem; paving the way for Egyptian-Israeli negotiations which culminated in the Camp David framework for peace in the Middle East in 1978. This framework led to the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty by the virtue of which Israel withdrew from Sinai to begin the establishment of peace in the region. The two countries then established diplomatic relations in 1982.

Killed by an assassin's bullet, all can agree that the Middle East and the world need more great leaders like President Mohamed Anwar El- Sadat.

JIMMY CARTER

Jimmy Carter  Thirty-ninth president of the United States, served as president from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. He championed human rights throughout the world. Significant foreign policy accomplishments of his administration included the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II treaty with the Soviet Union, and the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
In 1982 he founded The Carter Center. Actively a nonprofit Center that addresses national and international issues of public policy. Carter Center fellows, associates, and staff join with President Carter in efforts to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease and other afflictions. President Carter and The Carter Center have engaged in conflict mediation in Ethiopia and Eritrea (1989), North Korea (1994), Liberia (1994), Haiti (1994), Bosnia (1994), Sudan (1995), the Great Lakes region of Africa (1995-96), Sudan and Uganda (1999), and Venezuela (2002-2003). Through the Global 2000 program, the Center advances health and agriculture in the developing world.


MIKHAIL GORBACHEV

In September 1978, Leonard Brezhnev, head of the Soviet Union, made a minor decision that would start a fundamental shift in the history of the world. Brezhnev's careful compromise in appointing Mikhail Gorbachev to the governing Central Committee would eventually lead to the peaceful break-up of the Soviet Union, ending the Cold War. Gorbachev, unknown at the time, was very different from his "old guard" peers on the Committee. Gorbachev was young, energetic, and an idealist.

The political structure of the Soviet Union was the result of the influence of Joseph Stalin. Stalin took the political system unleashed by the communist revolution of 1917 and turned it into a killing machine built on a political system of socialist conformity. Stalin's firm hand suppressing the people survived his death. The breakup of the Soviet Union and the release of the Eastern Bloc countries were inevitable--given the economic failure of the Soviet system in the 1970's and early 80's. The Soviets had fallen far behind the West in economic development.
Gorbachev had absolute power because he was the supreme leader of the Soviet Union and Communist Party. He had a great desire to reach the common people and have a dialogue with them. He realized that "Perestroika", the process of change, must be started from above--but the common people must be taught about democracy. Gorbachev went through towns and villages carrying his message of change. He promoted idealists like himself to the higher levels of government. One of these idealists was Boris Yelsin who went on to initiate Russia into democracy and lead the early Russian Republic.
Gorbachev guided the Soviet Union and the release of the Eastern Bloc countries through a bloodless transition from communism to democracy. This massive achievement qualifies Mikhail Gorbachev as one of the greatest peacemakers of the 20th Century.


LECH WALESA

The efforts of Lech Walesa, leader of Polish Solidarity (the early union movement in communist Poland), culminated in the achievement of the "Gdansk Agreement" (ratified October 9, 1980) which prepared the way for the Solidarity movement's legalization. Walesa accomplished this through leadership, organizational abilities and a series of "illegal" labor strikes. However, the following December, the Solidarity movement was crushed by the communist Polish militia and Walesa (and others from the movement) were imprisoned.

By the tenth anniversary of the "Gdansk Agreement", Walesa was out of prison and communism in Poland was faltering (as well as in all of Eastern Europe and Russia). Walesa's primary biographer tributes him as "an epochal figure, who shaped a country's struggle for sovereignty and freedom, played a central role in the collapse of communism and established the contours of his country's new vibrant democracy and free market economy."
Lech Walesa achieved great goals through peaceful ideas.


LEO TOLSTOY
Author of War and Peace, Tolstoy is considered one of histories greatest thinkers on the issue of World Peace. He wrote many articles on the subject of peace -- some involve actual letters from soldiers seeking advice. His message to soldiers still rings true: "You are a soldier...you have been brought to 'pacify'...it has been instilled in you that you are not responsible for the consequences of your shots. But you know that the man who falls bleeding from your shot is killed by you and by no one else..."
Tolstoy believed that "Armies will only be diminished and abolished when people cease to trust governments, and themselves seek salvation from the miseries that oppress them, and seek safety, not by the complicated and delicate [efforts] of diplomats, but in the simple fulfillment of that law binding upon every man, inscribed in all religious teachings, and present in every heart, not to do to others what you wish them not to do to you-above all not to slay your neighbors." (1896)

DAVID AND RENATE JAKUPCA
American Cultural Ambassadors
First Lady of Peace


Builders of the "Worlds Children Peace Monument"  (WCPM) and the "Great American Peace Trail".  The noted Cleveland  husband and wife team are recognized for their pioneering work in the Environmental Art Movement to help create a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful World in modern times. Through their international advocacy and educational activities promoting from a cultural perspective, the Jakupca’s have contributed to the revitalization of cultural and environmental diversity, and the strengthening of local communities and economies worldwide. In 1987, by founding the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) at the historic ARK in Berea, they have combined their expertise in ecology, art and culture to really unravel the evolutionary dynamics of humanity. Their original 'Theory of Iceality on Environmenta Arts' , is the first fundamental change in developing a Culture of Peace in over 2000 years. The Theory underscores Nature's view about the integrative universal process of freedom and is the first to connect not only Man, but all Living Things (Human, Plant and Wildlife Kingdoms) to achieving a sustainable global Culture of Peace."

MOTHER TERESA 
In the early stages of her life, she was fascinated by the stories of missionaries. At the age of 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Calcutta (Now, Kolkata) in order to start the charity works and spread the message of love in the world. Sister Teresa became Mother Teresa on 24th May 1937. She taught from 1931 to 1948.

The condition of the poor people outside the convent school where she was teaching were utterly bad. It, indeed, hurt her very deeply. She understood the need of the hour to help the destitute. With courage and divinity, she had started an open-air school for the slum dwellers of Calcutta. She did not stop with the service of teaching the poor children. She had also taught the adults and gave medical treatments to the ill patients by providing the basic amenities such as hospitals and clinics. She has been better known for starting off “Missionaries of Charity” with her pupils. Shishu Bhavan, establishment of center for AIDS patients and many Homes had also been started for the orphanages. Her service is still being followed in many parts of the world. She is an ideal person to be a good social worker and set as an example to the entire world as the icon of peace and love.

Mother Teresa is one of the greatest human beings of all time! A gift for the poor and destitute. She had received many high profiled awards. Some of them were:
* Padmashree award in 1962
* Nobel Peace Prize in 1979
* Bharat Ratna in 1980
* The Pope John XXIII Peace Prize
* Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth
* Medal of Freedom


JOHN LENNON
He rests in Strawberry Fields,
A victim of a single madman,
Tied to a single bullet.
He said "give peace a chance,"
But they continued to fight,
And die.
He hated violence,
But in the end it consumed him,
Like the fire of lit match,
To the unwinds of a rope.
But he saw above the eyes of most men,
That war was a waste of time, lives,
And energy.
And an unsettling feeling,
That all war will end,
When the last human,
Takes his final breath...

  ~ Worlds Children Peace Monument  ~
Peace Carved in Stone is the Universal  Symbol of Living Peace

"Peace Hero's"Article By Christa Herbert 
Parma, Ohio
Written as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Parma Peace Stone on International Peace Day, Sept 21, 2012 at South Park, Parma Ohio.

Reference Links:
National Endowment of the Arts
http://www.arts.gov
Ohio Arts Council http://www.oac.state.oh.us
International Center for Environmental Arts
http://www.theicea.com 
City of Cleveland
http://www.cleveland-oh.gov

http://www.nobelprize.org
http://cultureofpeace.org/
http://www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org/
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

City of Parma
http://www.cityofparma-oh.gov

Controversial Painter Comments on Depicting Peace Carved in Stone...The Building of the "Great American Peace Trail"

• ARK in BEREA: Widely regarded as the Spiritual Father of the Environmental Art Movement, David Jakupca, a controversial artist who often mixes politics and social issues in his work, has released a new white paper on the "ICEALITY SILVER REVELATION"
  
  Jakupca, who was voted favorite local artist in the 1994 Cleveland Magazine's Best of Cleveland readers choice awards includes infamous social artworks like the 1993 Anti-Chief Wahoo Portrait and the 1992 "Peace and Prosperity" print of Whiskey Island. He admits that in Cleveland, he is most recognized for his role as a watchdog on county corruption, especially politicians of all parties, and for more key efforts such as his persistent unique actions aimed at openness and accountability in government.
  
  His current project is building the National coast-to-coast "Great American Peace Trail " in addition to the " Worlds Children Peace Monument" (WCPM).
  He admitted at first, he had no idea what kind of public reaction to expect. He was elated when he realized people embraced it, and recognized it as a commitment to America's future through our Children and as an expression of love for our country.
  All ready over 20 Cities have committed themselves to the peace cause
  
  Jakupca hopes that the 'ICEALITY SILVER REVELATION' will get the more of “public talking about what the art work represents. "Can the politicians we elected point us in the direction of a sustainable global culture of peace?"
  He hopes that the ISR will get people to answer such questions.
  “It is time for the People to start talking, and the dialog is about to get intense,” he said.
  
  Background Check:
  


• The Environmental Arts Movement started by the The International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) founded by David and Renate Jakupca in 1987.
  


• Environmental Art is the true indigenous art form of the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area. The ARK in Berea is the home to the global Environmental Art movement.
  


• David Jakupca is the recognized leader and the Spiritual Father of the Environmental Art movement.
  


• In 1993 in Vienna, Austria at the World Conference on Human Rights, ICEA, with the approval of U.S. Delegates, Jimmy Carter and Geraldine Ferraro, began recycling and promoting United Nations' World Conferences.
  


• Through this partnership with the United Nations, ICEA has influenced a global audience of literally billions of people.
  


• In 2000, David and Renate Jakupca were appointed American Cultural Ambassadors representing the US at EXPO2000, The Worlds Fair held in Hanover, Germany.
  


• Environmental Art is now the number one movement in Cleveland, Ohio
  


• Environmental Art is the number one movement in America.
  


• Environmental Art is the number one movement Worldwide.
  


• New Buzz Word in URBAN DICTIONARY:
  According to the Urban Dictionary the Good Word in 2008 is 'ICEAlity':
  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ICEAlity
  
  
  http://www.theicea.com/page3
  
  
  About ICEA: The International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) was founded by David and Renate Jakupca in 1987 to meet the compelling needs of ordinary citizens for access to current, balanced, understandable information about complex global issues.
  ICEA is organized into three divisions: Cultural, Environmental and Humanities. This has lead for ICEA to be a leading force for socially responsible activity.
  ICEA's mission is ICEAlity, that is to "Assist in understanding of the relationship between Humans and their Environment through the Arts ultimately promoting a sustainable global Culture of Peace".
  David and Renate, through ICEA participated in the 1992 EARTH SUMMIT, and later were Official United Nations Observers to the 1993 UN Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria. There, with the approval of US Delegation Leaders Geraldine Ferraro and President Jimmy Carter, ICEA has been recycling all major World Conferences ever since. Over the years, ICEA has gained a reputation for excellence based upon a unique library of specialized, current information on global importance and a wide range of imaginative programming and collaborations with other organizations to meet the needs of a broad constituency.
  With affiliates across the globe, the ICEA supports research, information sharing and effective action promoting the sustainable global culture of Peace.

American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca released the following statement today on the passing of their friend Geraldine Ferraro

American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca released the following statement today on the passing of their friend and former colleague Geraldine Ferraro: / ARK in Berea / Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 / "We are deeply saddened at the passing of our friend who did so much to advance the issues for womenkind Worldwide. Geraldine Ferraro was a dear friend and former United Nations alumni who accomplishments will be revered by many. Gerry was a brilliant and courageous woman who drive and spirit pioneered a legacy that has inspired us all, especially upcoming women leaders...... For posterity, the best salute we can give to her is to make sure the advances she helped achieve are not rolled back. During the 1993 United Nations Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna, Austria, the UN asked the member Nations how the information generated at the UN Conferences could get down to the people where it would do the most good. Renate and David Jakupca from ICEA, Official UN Observers to the Conference, suggested the information be sent on tour after the Conference closes. With the approval of US Delegates Geraldine Ferraro and Jimmy Carter, ICEA starting promoting iceality and recycling all major UN conferences until 2005..... Everyone owes her a debt of gratitude. We at the International Center for Environmental Arts respected Gerry, and David and I loved her dearly and will miss her personally..... Peace Friend".

Here is some reaction to the death of Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice presidential candidate:

• "Geraldine will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women, and Americans of all backgrounds and walks of life. ... Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live." — President Barack Obama.
• "She was a remarkable woman and a dear human being. She was a pioneer in our country for justice for women and a more open society. She broke a lot of molds and it's a better country for what she did." — Democratic presidential candidate and Ferraro running mate Walter Mondale.
• "She broke one huge barrier and then went on to break many more. May her example of hard work and dedication to America continue to inspire all women." — 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on her Facebook page.
• "Though we were one-time political opponents, I am happy to say Gerry and I became friends in time — a friendship marked by respect and affection. I admired Gerry in many ways, not the least of which was the dignified and principled manner she blazed new trails for women in politics." — Former President George H.W. Bush.
• "In 1984, her nomination was greeted with thunderous applause in the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The drumbeat that Geraldine Ferraro began that day in July will continue for a long time to come. As a woman and Italian American, my family and I loved her dearly and will miss her personally." — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
• "She died the way she lived, fully, actively, heroically courageous, trying to change things for the better. As the first woman vice president candidate and an outstanding member of Congress, she made women proud, she made her family proud, she made Italian-Americans proud." — Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.
• "Gerry Ferraro symbolized grace in every aspect of her life, as a wife, mother, grandmother, community activist, lawyer, businesswoman, philanthropist and public servant. She broke barriers with a matter-of-factness, modesty, and grace that made her achievements all the more important and becoming." — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
• "Gerry Ferraro was one of a kind — tough, brilliant, and never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed in — a New York icon and a true American original. She was a champion for women and children and for the idea that there should be no limits on what every American can achieve." — statement by President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
• "Through her life in the public arena, Geraldine's accomplishments served as a milestone in our country's acceptance of equality and diversity. She is proof that a person can make a difference, and make a difference is what Geraldine did throughout her life." — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
• "She had to overcome a lot of impediments. ... She can certainly be counted among the pioneers in making certain that gender should not be a factor in limiting a person's contribution to society." — Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.
• "To residents of Queens, she was our hometown hero who never forgot her roots. Today we mourn the passing of a great American success story." — Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y.__
• "It's a bittersweet moment to learn of Gerry passing as we near the end of Women's History Month. She opened the door for a generation of new leaders and certainly was an inspiration to me as I sought my own path in public service years ago." — New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy.
• "As an eager young delegate to the 1984 Democratic National Convention, I can tell you first hand that Geraldine Ferraro thrilled us when she took the stage as the first woman ever nominated by a major political power to be its candidate for Vice President of the United States. It was absolutely electrifying." — New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney.
• "As a first generation Italian-American, she exemplified what it means to live the American dream and reminds us of the limitless opportunities afforded to all Americans with hard work and determination." — Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y.
• "Gerry's nomination was a milestone for women in the United States but it was only one facet of her lifetime of contributions. She was the daughter of immigrants who lived the American dream and succeeded at a time and a place when women were frequently overlooked and undervalued." — Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland.

'Gaia Spricht'

Iceality adds tranquility, distinctiveness to your garden.

Long before you step into the ARK in Berea’s rear garden you hear 'Gaia Spricht' - A cascading fountain covered with fairy land art: unicorns, pixies, gnomes.
'Gaia Spricht' is built into the Walderuin and easily visible from anywhere in the garden. Designed by American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate themselves, 'Gaia Spricht' is one of just a few fountains in the garden and a source of constant entertainment and pleasure. "I wanted something that brought me something of my homeland of Austria," Renate says. " And I couldn't be happier."
'Gaia Spricht' is German for Gaia Speaks and refers to Gaia as the Spirit personifying Mother Nature. The Ancients believed in the idea that the fertile Mother Earth itself is female, nurturing mankind. 'Gaia Spricht' symbolizes that living organisms and inorganic material through water are part of a dynamic system that shapes the Earth's bioregionalism sphere, and maintains the World in a fit environment for life. At the ARK in Berea, every Earth Day, in a measure to heighten awareness of environmental concerns, the 'Gaia Spricht' water is dyed red to symbolize that water is the lifeblood of the planet. the garden, started in 1976 is an official wildlife habitat and a model and inspiration for future sustainable landscape designs worldwide: According to Natalie Ronayne, executive director of the Botanical Garden, In 2010, The Sustainable Sites Initiative already has the support of the U.S. Green Building Council, the nonprofit trade organization that expects to incorporate the landscape guidelines and performance standards into future updates to the LEED rating system. LEED -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- is essentially a third-party certification program that has become the nationally accepted standard for design, construction and operation of sustainable buildings.
Bringing art into your garden with Iceality is a perfect way to personalize your outdoor space, whether you buy something that catches your eye, make your own or commission a piece - gardens, art and iceality are natural companions. For the Jakupca’s, connecting with their roots for a major piece in their garden seems fated. Their travels to the olde world bought back many antiques and collectibles that are ideal for an outdoor centerpieces. Renate soon decided to have David create a fountain that would dominate without overwhelming her garden. The Gaia Spricht’s inclusion of a fairyland reflects Renate’s hopes the planted garden would attract the little people as well wildlife from the woods. The piece also has a number of custom-made pieces that David made himself. The artist also included their 6-year-old dog, Mickey, allowing him to help on making some imprints in the path. "I didn't want just anything," Renate says. "I wanted something specific, something personal that made me smile and David did it. It's very peaceful and it makes the garden look bigger than it is."
A quicker way to bring environmental art into your garden is by commissioning a carved wood work. David, a self-taught sculptor whose famous International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) “Pieces of Pelee” and “Endangered Spaces” Exhibits have been featured in United Nations Exhibits overseas.
"I just went for it, in the beginning" he says. David uses wood from fallen trees and unusable stumps from seashores and woods to create one of kind outdoor and indoor environmental art. He does commissioned pieces, but this art form is also entertainment to create a sculpture in mere minutes. David often did demonstrations for awed audiences. His pieces are somewhat sentimental, taking you back to those long days of summer on the beach with the family all there. "When you see the works, you kind of remember those days," he says.
Although he uses a variety of wood, David prefers driftwood. He likes the texture and appearance, and there's plenty of it to be found along the Lake Erie shoreline. He starts with a large hunk; the wood's shape dictates the subject. "I'll go in thinking my carving is one thing," David says, "and then something else — will just appear."
He says his work has become more precise in the past seven years that he has been carving Peace Stones for the Worlds Children Peace Monument (WCPM). The Ambassadors are gearing up for a Labor Day weekend trip to participate in the dedication of the Rising Sun, Indiana Peace Stone.
Utilizing iceality, outdoor art has moved far beyond the garden gnomes and the plastic flamingos.

See for yourself visit the ARK in Berea’s website on http://www.theicea.com/

By Bev Miko

Artists and Berea Cat unite for ART AID for HAITI

'HAITIAN ICEALITY' - is the understanding of the relationship between the Haitian people, their culture and environment while cultivating a sustainable global culture of peace.

• -- The brown weave is surrounded by a blue mat as a symbol of isolation in the Caribbean. The natural weave and shells are a representation of the flora and fauna of Haiti.
  -- The background is cracked to symbolize the current earthquake as well as a historical statement  *1
  -- The Peace Stone is the Universal Symbol of Living Peace a representation of the Worlds Children Peace Monument (WCPM).
  -- The Peace Stone Colors are Blue and White - the United Nations colors - symbolizing the UN workers who died in the line of duty.
  -- White Dove is the symbol of WCPM.
  -- The Dove’s ‘Heart of Gold’ is a symbol of the generosity of all the people of the world helping out in this crisis.
  At the core of the heart and artwork is a colorful gem inscribed with a map of the Haitian area.
  

  

  ~ Haitian Iceality ~
  David Jakupca

  "The ARK in Berea has made the Greater Cleveland Area is the home of the Environmental Art Movement. And Environmental Arts has been recognized as the indigenous art form North East Ohio.
  ICEAlity inspires architecture for ALL Living Things and can be called a Cleveland Artists Foundation. ART AID has the ability to actually help make a difference in the situation in Haiti and I just can not using this sustainable initiative to help make a difference in the future of the country. I would also have my artwork 'Haitian Iceality' made a memorial for 101 employess of the  United Nations 2* who were killed eight weeks ago in the Haiti earthquake, the largest one-day toll in the organization’s history." Said David Jakupca, American Cultural Ambassador.

  *1 - When this part was painted at the ARK in Berea, to accelerate the drying process, it was left on the floor near a heater vent to dry while I ran some errands. Later we found Rebel, our adopted cat from Berea Animal Rescue, had climbed into the warm wet paint and made some additions to the painting himself then used it as a catnapping place. He has done this before, and upon review, as Cultural Ambassador, I decided to leave the natural ”corrections” Rebel had made to the final painting.
  
  *2 - United Nations in Haiti:
  United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
  http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minustah/
  
  UN News Centre - News Focus: Haiti Earthquake
  http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=91
  

For more infor mation on ART AID visit:http://www.americantowns.com/oh/berea/news/cleveland-artists-holding-charity-art-aid-auction-for-haiti-253240

********************************************************
1987 to 2007- Twenty Years of Community Service
"ICEALITY - assisting in the understanding of the relationship between Humans and
their Environment through the Arts to promote a sustainable Culture of Peace"
International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA)
P. O. Box 81496
Cleveland, Ohio 44181 USA
Phone/fax: 440-891-8376
Email: ICEA2000@sbcglobal.net
http://www.theicea.com

'Hands of Peace' snub for President Obama

ARK in BEREA - IRAN slapped down US President Barack Obama’s plea for peace yesterday — as experts warned the rogue Gulf state could have a nuclear bomb this year.
Obama offered a hand of friendship if Iran “unclenched its fist”.
But Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded with a rant.
He called for an apology for America’s “dark crimes”, and went on to demand troop withdrawals from Muslim lands and a block on US support for Israel.
His response underlined the task facing Obama, who has pledged to make a “once-in-a-generation” bid for peace across the Middle East.
American Cultural and Peace Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca from the International center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) pointed out: "Shared concerns about ICEAlity and global Peace have sparked an international collaboration between generations of students at the Worlds Children Peace Monument (WCPM). The students from different hemispheres pooled their talents to create a peace pledge to draw attention to the need for peaceful reforms.
During the WCPM project's, students from all countries collaborate on ideas through emails, a project blog and even later a "live" web conference.
While language difficulties sometimes surfaced, good overall communications prevail and the project may yielded "many unexpected and pleasant surprises and an impressive range of approaches," said Renate Jakupca. The WCPM 2009 Peace Child Representative is a good candidate to meet with President Obama and reveal what has transpired in this joint effort of our future leaders and citizens. If President Obama and ICEA's Peace Child would present a gift of a WCPM Peace Stone from the US to Iran may help the boost the peace process.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated that Iran will have enough enriched uranium to make a single nuclear weapon this year.
Iran is also developing long-range missiles capable of strikes as far as Israel and beyond.
Meanwhile, Russia announced it had halted plans to deploy missiles near the Polish border.
It could be a sign that Moscow is seeking better ties with the US, which has plans for a missile shield in eastern Europe.
"The more the WCPM children can help us see different ways of looking at the peace problem the more our elected leaders can learn how to solve it." Renate said. The Jakupca's believes art and culture through ICEAlity can help broaden public awareness of important social issues.
"The more children get involved, the more people will get involved," she said.
"There is an accumlative affect."
The WCPM students work can be viewed online at the website http://www.wcpm.info/

Congress makes ARK in BEREA eligible for Obama's stimulus package

ARK in BEREA - "None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available may be used for any casino or other gambling establishments, aquarium, zoo, golf course, swimming pool, stadium, community park, museum , theater, art center and high beautification project."
It was the president's economic stimulus package that passed Senate approval last week, 73-24, but local nonprofit arts groups and museum directors were none too happy.
However, on Friday, Congress rewrote Section 1604 that now excludes the words "arts center," "theater" and "museum" in entities which will not be funded.
The bill also includes $50 million funding for the National Endowment of the Arts.
American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca of the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) were understandably relieved at the updated bill.
"This gives an insight into their thinking, I believe this is a political give-and-take situation where the lawmakers are using this to validate their 'essentials only' stance and does not necessarily mean that they would cut off all funding to the arts in the future. It is surely tunnel vision and does not recognize the value of the arts in the rehabilitation of the American way of life. Where did all those beautiful historic buildings that we work to preserve have their origins if not in government spending?" argued Ann Hansen and Jim Kern, executive directors for the Benicia Historical and Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
Kern said he received an "emergency e-mail" last week from various museum associations.
"There was a very brief window of opportunity for museums to contact their senators and urge them to oppose the amendment," Kern said.
Apparently, it worked.
"Museum supports should be very please that we were able to mobilize a massive field-wide effort to prevent a funding ban," said Ford Bell, president of the American Association of Museums.
"I have no idea yet how much money might be available to museums or what mechanism will be in place to get it out where it will do the most good," said Kern, believing it's a wise decision to assist museums.
"Museums employ more than a quarter-million Americans, spend an estimated $14.5 billion annually, and rank among the top three family vacation destinations," Kern said. "The Vallejo museum alone brought almost 10,000 into downtown Vallejo last year."
The nonprofit sector, Kern noted, "has a proven track record of providing quality services on a limited budget. We know how to get the most 'bang for the buck' when government funds are made available to help us. We also believe in accountability and can show, to the penny, where every last cent of this stimulus money would be spent. That's probably a lot more than can be said for some of the large financial institutions that received billions of dollars with little or no oversight."
Stacey Loew, the Mira Theatre Guild's president and performer, couldn't understand why arts organizations wouldn't be financially bolstered.
"Perhaps it is not thought important to some, but now, more than ever, diversions from the harsh realities of life are greatly needed," Loew said. "I have been witnessing lately far too many theater companies falling by the wayside."
"At a time when people are jobless and the whole economy is hurting, they cannot realize that we are the very sources to which people look for their relaxation and entertainment," Hansen said. "I believe it is a time when we who are in a community role must step up to the plate and provide for the citizens' needs. We are not cutting back on activities. We are increasing them."
Monica Tipton, a Mira board member, believes "the political effort to not have 'fluff' benefit from taxpayer dollars is a result of the Bush Administration and the NCLB (No Child Left Behind), "which have completely negated and devalued the arts in particular, especially in relationship to education."
While she's hopeful the new bill provides some light at the end of the fiscal tunnel, "the grant process will be very competitive," Tipton said.
The arts "are not a luxury, but a necessity that other civilized countries around the world support," said Tim Zumwalt, publicist for the Vallejo Symphony.
During the Great Depression, "a lot of federal money went to the arts -- murals in San Francisco, writers, theater companies, et al" -- said Zumwalt, relaying that maestro David Ramadanoff "keeps saying that in bad times, people need the arts to heal and press on."
Dyanne Vojvoda of the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group said it "is not surprising that the cultural scene is facing economic crisis, our communities are fearing losses of jobs, homes, and a sense of well-being. Though the arts can provide us with great pleasure in sad times, the news of no additional money spent on the arts is not shocking. Thank goodness that, as personal resources permit, thousands of people still find that attending live performances and art galleries are necessary and empowering."
Harry Diavatis, veteran local actor and director, supports the first Economic Recovery Bill.
"The term 'the arts' is so generalized as to almost be vague," he said. "It encompasses every aspect of not for profit groups from regional theater, opera, ballet, symphony orchestras, museums and other art organizations. In the theatre world, that range is as varied as the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco to Vallejo Music Theatre and the Mira Theatre Guild.
Diavatis said, "is that during these hard economic times, all Americans including not for profit arts groups need to tighten their belt and find ways to cut costs while trying to attract more patrons. The Arts, in and of themselves, do not need glitzy palaces such as the Empress Theatre to survive. Not funding the arts will not mean their demise, it just means that they will go through a tough period of adjustment as most other American enterprises are currently suffering through."
The bottom line the Jakupca's said, "is that in depressed area's like Cleveland, stimulus funding for projects using ICEALity causes Positive Cultural Balancing: The essence for “calming” and harmonising the natural energy. It deals with the energetic legacy of discord and strife that has occurred in the past, which has left an negeative energetic imprint. ICEAlity balances and releases this “battle energy”, bringing a positive sense of peace and harmony to the afflicted neighborhood.

Pres. Obama may add more Cultural Ambassadors

ARK in Berea News and Politics:
A collaborative style is one of the most dramatic changes President Barack Obama has brought to Washington — and it is one that artists here and throughout the country can relate to."That tone he sets of reaching out, of listening, of welcoming diverse ideas — it feels very familiar because artists are collaborators. You make music in an orchestra by being in tune with a lot of other people," said Marc J. Vogl, of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in Menlo Park and a member of the Obama Arts Policy Committee during the campaign.

Still, there are good signs. Obama, a best-selling author and admirer of poetry, J.S. Bach and Stevie Wonder, has expressed a desire to deepen the federal commitment to arts education and to create an Artist Corps patterned after the Peace Corps, sending artists into low-income schools and communities. Some even predict Obama could establish a Cabinet-level Secretary of the Arts, an idea advanced by Quincy Jones, who has posted an online petition.
The needs are urgent, but there's a "fairly narrow window right now to capture this moment where the new administration in America is focused on public service and the importance of the arts," said Kiff Gallagher, a singer-songwriter and former Clinton administration officer who has established MusicianCorps, a service organization in the Bay Area to bring musicians into schools and after-school programs.
In its $820 billion economic stimulus package, the House of Representatives included $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts to funnel to arts groups to create and save jobs. The Senate over the weekend was hammering out its own version of the economic plan.
Though $50 million is less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the House funding package, national arts leaders say what's significant is that they are being invited to the table — like banking and auto industry leaders — by an administration seeking a new path. As Lisa Mallette, executive artistic director of the scrappy little City Lights Theater Company in downtown San Jose, put it, "There's no way to go but up."
Obama's decision to have an arts policy committee working for a year to develop recommendations during his campaign was unprecedented. Within days of his election, the administration appointed former NEA Chairman Bill Ivey to lead the arts and humanities transition team. Ivey recently convened a meeting of about 20 national arts groups — representing museums, dancers, chamber and orchestral musicians, Latino arts groups and more.
He sees the arts as part of the nation's economic engine — able to deliver jobs, and quite a few. The 100,000 nonprofit arts groups in the United States directly support 1.3 million jobs, said Robert Lynch, president and chief executive officer of the national lobbying group Americans for the Arts. Those numbers may be too big to ignore, and arts groups hope they will translate into greater clout. Ivey believes the administration is "seriously considering" a new position in the West Wing for a senior official with an arts-and-culture portfolio in the President's Domestic Policy Council. That official could have the president's ear and begin to connect the dots between federal arts agencies and programs.
Now, arts groups wait to see if Obama will adopt any of the recommendations made by the Obama Arts Policy Committee during the campaign, such as creating new tax incentives for nonprofit arts groups, and exercising the nation's "soft power" by sending artists around the world to reinvigorate cultural diplomacy.
In 1997 David and Renate Jakupca from the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) were appointed American Cultural Ambassadors to EXPO 2000, the Worlds Fair held in Hanover, Germany. The US Network for EXPO2000 will be celebrating its 10 years of innovation, ingenuity and iceality at the opening of the Expo 2010 held in Shanghai, China.

1987 to 2007- Twenty Years of Community Service

"ICEALITY - assisting in the understanding of the relationship between Humans and their Environment through the Arts to promote a sustainable Culture of Peace"
International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA)

P. O. Box 81496Cleveland, Ohio

44181 USA

Phone/fax: 440-891-8376

www.TheICEA.Org