A Celebration of the International Day of Non-Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence is an annual celebration arranged by the United Nations on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the non-violence movement. The Rubin Museum of Art celebrated this special day in 2010 with a Peace Lab full of activities for visitors of all ages. Peace Lab featured art activities, tours, live music, and interesting ways to experiment with how our bodies see, feel, smell, hear and taste peace in the world around us.
Utilizing the Bansuri flute, musician Eric Fraser performed Hindustani classical music. Eric played ragas that evoked different moods: calm, tranquil, energetic, active, and visitors were encouraged to hold up color cards matching colors to emotions.
Storyteller Surabhi Shah told stories about Mallikumari who averted a war by using her words and keeping her cool; Birbal, the adviser to the Mughal emperor Akbar, who spoke the hard truth with wit and humor – and was loved for it; and Gamhis involvement with the Salt March.
Aromatherapy artist, Sharon Slowick hosted a spice market that included essential oils, natural herbs, and fragrances. Visitors were able to create their own mixture of scents in a sachet, and rate how particular scents made them feel.
Families made individual flags on floors 2,3,4, and 6 that cumulatively assembled a strand of Peace Flags.Art making activities include weaving, mono printing, woodblock printing, sticker collage, and fabric collage.
Activities centered on exploring reactions bodies have to sensory stimulation. Visitors were encouraged to vote at each station to describe how the activities made them feel (peaceful to non- peaceful).