Through her initiative “The Art of Peace”, visual artist and photographer Angela Haynes is enabling the young people of Toronto to raise their voices through creative expression in the quest for peace.

As a concerned citizen in the summer of 2005 (dubbed “the summer of the gun” by local media), Angela had followed media coverage on the increasing violence in local communities.  Although she recognized that many forums and discussions were taking place on the issue, she was deeply concerned that young people’s voices were not being heard. 

An accomplished visual artist and photographer as well as a communications and special events professional, Angela believed that art—whether painting, drawing or writing—would allow youth to find solutions to the ongoing problems of violence and conflict in their communities. So she created “The Art of Peace – Think It. Speak It. Live It”.  This compelling event invited youth to use artistic expression to articulate their ideas for creating a violence-free society. 

In its inaugural year, the event was a huge success, exhibiting work from 96 students from Churchill Heights, Glen Ravine, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Mary Shad Public Schools and West Hill, Wexford and Lester B. Pearson Collegiates.   A rich diversity of cultural heritage and personal vision was reflected in an exhibit that included collages, paintings, drawings and poetry.

As one 14 year-old artist said, “Students are affected by violence in their community and the world, but we don’t often get to share our thoughts.  I’m glad to be part of a show that focused on our opinions.” 

The guiding statement for “The Art of Peace” is “Peace does not create itself.  It requires community action and an environment in which to thrive.”  By pioneering a grassroots event that reflects her own talents and values, Angela Haynes is creating the environment that will lead to a more peaceful society and a new generation of artists and community leaders.