members of ICAP with officials from Blossomdale mayor's department

August 2009, Ste. Genevieve, Mo. – Visualizing Peace

Diane Wilson, director of Ste. Genevieve Center for the Arts

Ste. Genevieve, Mo., August, 2009 – “How do you visualize peace?”

Diane Wilson, director of Ste. Genevieve Center for the Arts Institute, found at least one vital answer to that question upon being introduced to ICAP Founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s photographs by Claire Wroblewski, ICAP member in the community.“I was so inspired by the humanity, sensitivity and artistic photographic vision of Mr. Ikeda, who seized the moment [in capturing] nature and human activities,” said Ms. Wilson. Based on the inspiration she derived, she requested Ms. Wroblewski’s assistance in hosting Dr. Ikeda’s “Visualizing Peace” photo exhibition at her Center for the Arts Institute,

public viewing the photographic art of Dr. Ikeda

Each month, the institute holds a Fourth Friday Art Walk event for members of the community. On Friday, August 28, a capacity-crowd of Ste. Genevieve county citizens who attended the art festival and performances had a chance to see first-hand Dr. Ikeda’s photos and increase their awareness that the arts are a splendid vehicle through which to visualize peace and all that is best in humanity. Among the region’s notable guests on hand to view the exhibition were City of Bloomsdale (Ste. Genevieve County) Alderman Karl Kline, his wife Dr. Lesa Kline and Bloomsdale City Clerk Lynette Randall. In one of the evening’s highlights, Ms. Randall presented a proclamation from Bloomsdale Mayor Paul Monia honoring Dr. Ikeda and his wife, Kaneko, with honorary citizenships.

youth viewing the photographic art of Dr. Ikeda Attendees at this month’s event were also treated to an origami workshop presented by artist/dancer Mariko Schmit, a concert of Japanese folk songs by Hideyo Mills, a Korean steel-drum performance by Heisun Missi and a piano performance by Mark Wroblewski. Representing the Ikedas were SGI-USA Central Territory Director Jim Nobukuni from Chicago, and local SGI representatives such as Central Territory Peace and Community Relations Representative Claire Wroblewski of Farmington and vice leader of SGI Southeast Missouri District, Lisa Bates, of Ste. Genevieve. About hosting the exhibition, Ms. Wilson expressed her conviction that it was a “humbling experience,” adding that “it is also a great honor for Ste. Genevieve.” The event also represented a cultural-exchange dialogue of sorts between the local citizenry and Dr. Ikeda half a world away. As expressions of gratitude, Mayor Paul Monia sent a gift to ICAP Founder of a stunning lithograph by local artist Al Agnew; and Diane Wilson sent along a lovely piece she created involving a laminated floral arrangement. In addition to other honors, Dr. Ikeda was selected by Diane Wilson as this year’s recipient of the Visualizing Peace Award for outstanding contributions towards peace through art.
Alderman Kline next to a photograph by Dr. Ikeda

Again, according to Ms. Wilson: “I have so much appreciation for this exhibit and for the enthusiasm and generous spirit the SGI members involved in this project have shown to my students, my community and me. Daisaku Ikeda and Mrs. Ikeda are deserving recipients of the Visualizing Peace Award and so much more! Because of this event, I was able to visualize peace, too. How can I join!” Alderman Kline said: “Daisaku Ikeda’s photos are beautiful. We’re so appreciative to have his exhibit and the local SGI performers honoring our community! Presenting the Honorary Citizenship to Mr. and Mrs. Ikeda is just a small way of our saying ‘Thank you for all you do and for entering our lives. Let’s stay friends, forever!’”
Alderman Kline next to a photograph by Dr. Ikeda Alderman Kline next to a photograph by Dr. Ikeda Alderman Kline next to a photograph by Dr. Ikeda