Kids’ messages of PEACE go up across city

Eight kid-created messages of PEACE are brightening landscapes and hearts across Methuen!

The Methuen Exchange Club sponsored the “Kids as Peacemakers” project. Students from all four public grade schools and Methuen High School were given the task of creating what peace looks like to them and how to become effective peacemakers.

“This is a national program started from a club member in Newburyport over 10 years ago,” explains club member Brad Jones, who oversaw the project. “We did it 7 or 8 years ago when my wife (Kathy) was president. It was time to bring it back. It’s an easy event and gets kids involved.

“Part of (the Exchange) mission is that we like to work with children. We figured this was a good way to take some money from the Taste of Methuen (fund-raiser) to put back into the community. We let the kids show what they can do with that type of project,” Jones said.

Methuen Public Schools Fine Arts Director Cheryl Mancini reached out to her art teachers.

“Eight were willing to lead the project with their students, which were done over the last 3 weeks of school. Each teacher chose which grade level would participate,” Jones said. “The Exchange provided a 4-x-8- foot sheet of plywood painted white (to serve as a canvas), plus latex paint in a variety of colors and the paintbrushes.”

As of MethuenLife press time, Peacemaker canvasses were located at Methuen High, all four public grammar schools, the kindergarten building on Branch Street and the Senior Center on Lowell Street. The final canvas was ready for set-up at the Methuen Police Station.

The Exchange Club shared photos of the finished products on its Facebook page and the positive reaction was immediate!
“This is my favorite! Gorgeous, vibrant, so cool!” wrote Tanya Lee Hamilton Alberghene of the CGS piece.

“This is the Marsh Lower School. Every child put their handprint on during Fun Day!” wrote Tasha Marie, of a feel-good rainbow image.

Canvases are expected to remain up through Labor Day, so be on the lookout as you cruise through Methuen!