TMtB kids Art for Darfur

Karen Blessen and Barbara Miller, co-founders of Today Marks the Beginning, talk to the art preview audience at SMU about the shadow box art kids from LL Hotchkiss created for the Art for Darfur Art Auction. Sweet & funny story. Pink...the universal girl color!

Art for Darfur

TMtB supports ART FOR DARFUR: Art Auction and Benefit. Saurday, April 17 at Owens Art Center, Bishop Blvd., SMU. Bidding starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 7:30 pm. Art for Darfur benefits Darfur Peace and Development (DPDO). TMtB's Karen Blessen facilitated a special art program for a group of refugee school children at Hotchkiss Elementary. The children are adding their support and artistry for the children of Darfur through their shadowbox art which will be on sale at the event, too. John Katz's four-minute film of the Hotchkiss kids' wishes for the children of Darfur will be screened at the event.

A Million & One Ways to Follow TMtB

Why? The question a lot of people ask who haven't experienced Twitter. Twitter is a quick update on what's happening with TMtB and all the other related art, peace and social justice organizations we follow. Twitter creates a streamlined local and global e-community of like-mided people. You can learn about Today Marks the Beginning (TMtB) in a variety of ways.

You think you know TMtB? Find out more www.twitter.com/todaybeginart

"INFLUENCE" lesson spreading throughout Dallas!

Irma Rangel and Today Marks the Beginning have collaborated to spread the message of peace through TMtB's project "INFLUENCE" lesson. The students from Irma Rangel are traveling throughout Dallas persuading business owners, churches, etc. to hang up their artwork to inspire others to make peaceful actions and choices.

Check it out: http://masterpeaceinfluence.blogspot.com/

Get Inspired By Our Compelling Projects!

Rumi...

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honorably,
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.

Rumi

MasterPEACE & Great Peace Makers

Karen Blessen leads a team of visual artists, improv actors, musicians, a dancer, an architect, a photographer, teachers, principals, and volunteers in teaching Dallas school kids the many variations of MasterPEACE: Young Artists Making a Kinder World. Dallas 5th & 6th graders learn how handle overwhelming pressures and emotions at home and in school within the mix of various cultures by using the arts for creative expression, finding common ground and resolving conflict. You can learn more about MasterPEACE other TMtB projects by checking out our website: http://www.todaymarksthebeginning.com/ and following us on twitter: www.twitter.com/todaybeginart

photo: partner schools L.L. Hotchkiss & Parish Episcopal ice cream social for Great PeaceMakers....