A group of Edgewood art students gathered at the front of building two early in the morning of September 21st to set up a collection of bright, colorful pinwheels in celebration of the International Day of Peace. Edgewood’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) works for weeks in advance making pinwheels for its annual Pinwheels For Peace display.

The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, and later marked as a period of cease-fire in 2001. The project, named Pinwheels for Peace, began in 2005 when Florida art teachers Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan encouraged their students to create colorful pinwheels containing their thoughts and feelings about peace. The pinwheels, a symbol of joy and innocence, create a visual statement in the importance of striving for peace in the world and our lives.

Since the first installation in 2005, the project has grown to see millions of pinwheels being planted every year. 

Edgewood’s chapter of the NAHS is no stranger to the celebration, having taken part in the Pinwheels for Peace project for roughly 17 years. Students enjoy working on the project as a relaxing outlet for their creativity. Ms. Marisa Flint started doing the project early on for NAHS members.

“I think it is a great way to participate in International Peace Day, and it’s a laid-back activity for students to do as they reflect on peace and hopefully enjoy that childlike sense of fun of making pinwheels,” said Flint.

The pinwheels were on display for the remainder of the day to spread a moment of joy so that students and staff could find a little bit of peace here on our campus.