Those attending the Vernon library can keep their eyes peeled for a bright symbol of peace hanging in the children's section.

One World, One Family is the name of a Vernon art project created by members of a group that aims to foster peace through artistic expression. 

The members of Art for Peace created the colourful art piece that depicts people of an array of colours holding hands, with animals and a floral centrepiece. The artwork is currently on display at the Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. 

The art project was sponsored by the library and Bah谩'i Community of Vernon. 

Art for Peace members met monthly to create and talk about art that expresses peace, how art contributes to peace, and how to create a peaceful experience. 

鈥淣o wonder the library is so well used and liked,鈥� said Eva Strom, a group participant. 鈥淭hey were so welcoming and supportive and very open to having our art project displayed in the library.鈥�

After working on individual art, the group decided to work on a project together. Each person created different pieces of the project. Some worked on the larger background while others drew and cut the smaller pieces. Finally, others arranged the pieces and glued them into place. 

The participants brainstormed a variety of names for the project and voted for their favourite, with One World, One Family coming out on top. 

鈥淚t explains that we are all connected,鈥� said one participant. 鈥淎nd that knowledge helps us create peace.鈥�

The work of art was exhibited at the Peacebuilders gathering at the Splatsin Community Centre on Sept. 21. It is currently displayed in the children's section of the Vernon library for all to see. 

鈥淚 like the bright colours, they fit perfectly in here,鈥� said head-librarian Kristy Hennings. "And that it's about unity in divisive times. I think that's the key thing that I like about it and it's part of the reason why we put it in the children's area."