COMMUNITY PEACE FLAGS ADORN PRICE CENTER, SHARE MESSAGES OF HOPE & INSPIRATION FOR HOLIDAYS

Thanks to an interactive community public art project that kicked off last month, more than 100 Peace Flags are being strung and hung inside and outside the Price Center for the holiday season. In addition, daily visitors are encouraged to make flags of their own to add to the unique art installation.

Local artist and project leader Cathy Sparks oversaw the first work session that produced more than 50 flags now adorning the main columns outside and sewn to strings between the ceiling lights in the 1893 Chapel. Individuals and groups have continued making flags during visits to the Center over the past weeks and they will be strung and hung as well. The goal of the growing display is to share and inspire more thoughts of peace, understanding and hope to all who view it.

The tradition behind modern prayer flags was begun in the seventh century by Buddhist monks who printed words and symbols of peace and harmony on flags as blessings to be sent out to the world with each breeze. Traditional colors – blue for sky/space; white for air/clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth – will be used. Access to images of eight traditional symbols often used will also be provided. Sparks and other area artists will be on hand with ideas, symbols, and supplies to assist your creations.

The Community Peace Flag Project compliments the “Peace & Understanding” art show hanging throughout the Center, which features over 60 original works by more than 40 local artists depicting images, symbols, and concepts of peace, understanding, serenity, cooperation, empathy and compassion.

A supply of pre-cut fabric in traditional colors, markers and stencils of traditional symbols is available to anyone visiting the Center to walk right in and make a flag to add to the installation.

Rotating Art Shows and art projects like this one at the Price Center are funded in part through a grant from the San Marcos Arts Commission. For more information, about the art shows or Prayer Flag Project at the Center, please call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St. Mon. – Fri., 9-5 p.m., or visit price-center.org.