THRIVE - Planting Peace at LL Hotckiss

Children from war torn countries who come to Dallas with their families start at LL Hotchkiss Elementary. Today Marks the Beginning collaborates with the art teachers at the school as part of the program - MasterPEACE: Young Artists Making a Kinder World. Watch the video and read Advocate Magizine online! Exerpt - "Today Marks the Beginning, which East Dallas-based artist Karen Blessen founded, planted a peace garden with the refugee students at Hotchkiss. And they designed a peace pole together. The students created mosaics, which artists Diane Van Buren and Linda McLemore compiled onto the pole, made from PVC pipe. At the top, the artists added “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in six languages."

http://lakewood.advocatemag.com/2011/05/advocate-video-east-dallas-nonprofit-plants-peace-in-a-disd-elementary-school/

2011 National Volunteer Week

This week is "National Volunteer Week," and we want to give a special shout out to all citizens who make a difference in the lives of others in need, and we want to give a special thanks to our volunteers! Without you, are work in the community may not come to fruition. Thanks so much for all your hard work!

If you're interested in volunteering for us, please contact Karen Blessen at kblessen@sbcglobal.net.

"LOVE" Lesson Artwork on Display at the Dallas Public Library

The "LOVE" lesson artwork created by students from Irma Rangel, Parish Episcopal and L.L. Hotchkiss is officially on display at the Dallas Public Library. Please make sure to go and visit the wonderful exhibit that showcases beautiful peace-oriented art pieces about "love." Thanks to all the MasterPEACE team for working with the students to create such inspirational artwork!

LOVE lesson exhibit and reception

Art Exhibit and reception of LOVE lesson art from Today Marks the Beginning's MasterPEACE program. Dallas school children created art based on words of Love from the world's Great Peacemakers. Aloft Hotel (1033 Young Street) exhibit presented by Today Marks the Beginning and Ro2Art. Reception 5-7 pm, February 14, 2011

GMT & TMtB!

Rob McCollum, Karen Blessen and kids from MasterPEACE LOVE lesson brave the ice and snow on Wednesday to show their art on Good Morning Texas!

LOVE on WFAA!

Only 4 days away from the Rob McCollum interview with Karen Blessen on GMT. Karen will demonstrate how to make LOVE Lesson Valentines with some kids from the MasterPEACE program. February 9, 8:30 - 10:00 am, Channel 8, WFAA. Set your TIVO and DVRs. You won't want to miss this! Please share this with friends and family. The more people know about Today Marks the Beginning and the MasterPEACE program the more we can spread the LOVE!

Black History Month is Here!

Black History Month is finally upon us! Let's make sure we take time this month to honor those brave individuals who taught us to fight for civil and social rights through peace and perseverance. What are your plans for Black History Month?

Who Are You? A Masquerade Ball benefiting our very own Karen Blessen's 29 pieces

“Who Are You?” is an event benefiting 29 Pieces by Pulitzer Prize winner Karen Blessen that combines entertainment, music, art, and personal reflection into one amazing and unforgettable night. Enjoy great music by Ishi, The Gritz (Erykah Badu’s band), Hello Lover, Able Youth, and DJ B3. Come and be dazzled by feats of strength, magic, dexterity, and fire at our variety stage. Indulge in complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by Dripping Springs Vodka, Bacardi, Dewars and Celebrity Chef Richard Pratt as you ask everyone you meet, "Who are you?”. For one night only, get a real answer. Your finest masquerade ball attire is requested.

About 29 Pieces

29 Pieces is an exhibit of large scale art that uses sculpture and the written word to internalize and illuminate the transforming power of sacred words.

29 Pieces also aims to raise awareness of the timeless relevance and artistry of the inspired messages left to us by mystics from many traditions and cultures.

Love Conquers All!

Dallas school children are putting the final touches on the LOVE lesson art to be displayed in the windows of Neiman Marcus at NorthPark for Valentines Day.
Today Marks the Beginning and Ro2 Art are presenting more of the children's LOVE lesson art at the aLoft Hotel. Stay tuned for more info!

PND - News - Comcast Takeover of NBC Could Stimulate Growth of Nonprofit News

PND - News - Comcast Takeover of NBC Could Stimulate Growth of Nonprofit News

Whole Lotta' LOVE!

The new LOVE project is a special MasterPEACE series of lessons with 350 Dallas school children creating art based on the words of philosophers like Virgil and Great Peacemakers like Mother Theresa, Ghandi and others. Neiman Marcus NorthPark will display select artwork in the mall windows and throughout the store in celebration of Valentine's Day. Aloft Hotel will also be displaying some of the art in a limited engagement exhibit. More details to come. HAPPY NEW YEAR!