The Museum of Modern ARF

John Aaron - Artist and Director

Your Bio

John Aaron was the director & curator of the Museum of Modern ARF, Arlington, VA
from 2002-2006. He's been involved in sculpture since 1959 when he made
a small dog out of clay. Friends, who have watched his progress, have suggested
that he should have quit then, while he was ahead.

Versed in numerous Renaissance arts and some 21st century skills, he has completed
more than 400 commissions in sculpture and painting. He has had more than 25 one-
person exhibitions and is in prestigious collections around the world. The Australian
magazine, Ceramics Technical, published John's article, "The Making of Welcome To
Trinity" in the November 05 issue.
Aaron porcelain bowls are considered a lost art from the Renaissance.

As "the Dog Mumbler", Aaron is able to communicate with dogs through their own
language by being semi-canine rather than encouraging the dog to be more human.
It is the key to greater human/dog understanding. John walks a lot of dogs, and
learns from each one. White Guy, the cat, tolerates this.

Modern ARF and CHALK4PEACE news can always be found here on the website and at http://www.chalk4peace.blogspot.com.

CHALK4PEACE will happen again Sept. 14-21, 2008.
John is the Global Project Founder of CHALK4PEACE, the Chalk Art event about peace
that has taken place in hundreds of locations worldwide since September 15-17, 2006.
It is an annual September event. Visit chalk4peace.org to see global photoessays.
CHALK4PEACE- Coming Again To A Sidewalk Near YOU....
CHALK4PEACE, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt California corporation.
Donations to CHALK4PEACE are now tax deductible.
http://www.chalk4peace.org

Please visit http://www.ModernARF.com for Modern ARF's history.

Email contact: Aaron@chalk4peace.org; chalk4peace@gmail.com Aaron@modernarf.com

Galleries

CHALK4PEACE 2008 : CHALK4PEACE 2008- Eight Days in September 14-21.
More than a week to reflect upon the Art of PEACE.
These artists are waiting 4 YOU to join them.
Contribute to the spread of CHALK4PEACE by visiting 
us at:

http://www.chalk4peace.org/join.html

and make a donation to ensure we reach the world to tell them about CHALK4PEACE.
Peace isn't cheap; but it's far more economical that the alternative.
We'll have some friends and some chalk waiting for YOU!...

CHALK4PEACE 2008

CHALK4PEACE 2008- Eight Days in September 14-21. More than a week to r ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 8:27pm PST

CHALK4PEACE Hutchinson Elementary School, Herndon, VA : CHALK4PEACE 2007 at the Hutchinson Elementary School. They have been vitally active
in their community with their efforts to "Teach Peace." They created a Public Artwork
on display at the Worldgate Center, Herndon, VA through August. Visit the link below
to see the "ART IN THE PAGES" Public Art project that the Hutchinson School created 
as a team with Artist/Educator Kathryn Vaughn, who led her students in developing an 
integrated program over the last two years in relation to CHALK4PEACE. 
A photograph of the sculpture, "PEACE: Together We Can" can be found in this gallery.

http://www.fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org/programswesupport/artinthepages/sponsoredsculptures/default.htm

The Fairfax Library Foundation sponsored "Art In The Pages".

CHALK4PEACE Hutchinson Elementary School, Herndon, VA

CHALK4PEACE 2007 at the Hutchinson Elementary School. They have been v ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 8:05pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2007... The NEW PHOTOS! : CHALK4PEACE 2007 has covered the planet! These folks painted the planet the colors of peace...
From Ireland to the West Bank, from Capetown to California, CHALK4PEACE is a creative force for peaceful change!
Each photo denotes a different location. Click on the word ART above to see a gallery of each location's event.
If you sent in photos recently, check back to see your CHALK4PEACE event here soon! We have received more than 2,000 photographs!

CHALK4PEACE 2007... The NEW PHOTOS!

CHALK4PEACE 2007 has covered the planet! These folks painted the plane ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 4:49pm PST

Dogs Have Masters; Cats Have Staff... : This series of work began in 2003 & includes oil on canvas, watercolor, 
mixed media and various fired ceramic materials.

The artist has been working with canine and other animal imagery since 1978.
He has completed more than 350 personal portraits for collectors/design firms.
Works have been exhibited at various museums including 
the Denver Art Museum and the AKC Museum of the Dog in St. Louis.

Personal pet portraits are considered in a variety of styles and media.
Call 248-720-9119 for details.

Dogs Have Masters; Cats Have Staff...

This series of work began in 2003 & includes oil on canvas, watercolor ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 1:13pm PST

2007-08 PAINTINGS: "It's comin' from the feel that it ain't exactly real..." : "It's comin' from the feel that it ain't exactly real, or it's real, but it ain't exactly there..." Lyrics by Leonard Cohen
These are paintings done at Modern ARF West in Emeryville, CA during 2007.

They are influenced by the Essential Leonard Cohen album, Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Todd Rundgren, Lyle Lovett and other storytellers. 
Their music drives the creation of these paintings. References include Delvaux, Arneson, Escher, Rousseau, Marc, Grosz and cyberspace.
Some of the works are named after lyrics and words from Cohen's songs. Paintings are mixed media. Pricing is included in each painting's caption.

The artist is trained in architectural rendering, patent design illustration, children's book illustration, concept imagery for film and all phases of storyboard.

These works led to the commission of a large mural on page two of this gallery, a portrait of the Bay Area in 1939 for Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 
a museum dedicated to bygone amusements in El Cerrito, CA.

2007-08 PAINTINGS: "It's comin' from the feel that it ain't exactly real..."

"It's comin' from the feel that it ain't exactly real, or it's real, b ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 6:40pm PST

Aaron's Porcelain Bowls : The bowls are thrown and altered works, made of porcelain, and designed to hang on the wall.
They are considered one of the ten most difficult works of art to create.
Their three-dimensionality, exaggerated perspective, glaze technique
and narrative update a significant 15th century Renaissance style 
into a 21st century neo-post modern sensibility.

The article,"The Making of Welcome to Trinity" was featured in the 
November 2005 issue of the Australian magazine, Ceramics Technical.

Most works take an average of 125-150 hours.Their archival durability is one of the standards of artistic longevity. 

The artist is considered to be one of the last people in the world creating this particular style of work. 
This body of work got its start in 1982 in Boulder, Colorado. Earlier works in this style from last century can be found at www.Modernarf.com
Recent exhibitions:
"Emeryville Celebration of the Arts"  juried exhibition
 Emeryville, CA
and "Animals In The Arts", the visual arts part of the "Carnival of the Animals" benefit performance by the "Barque" Chamber Orchestra, 
George Daugherty, Conductor, Amy Tan, Narrator, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Pets Unlimited,Herbst Theatre Greenroom, 
San Francisco; Oct. 14. 
All Ticket Proceeds benefit Pets Unlimited as well as a portion of all sales and commissions made by the artists. PetsUnlimited.org

Aaron's Porcelain Bowls

The bowls are thrown and altered works, made of porcelain, and designe ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2008 8:35am PST

Creme de la Clay- Artist's Choice 1980-2008 : These works, from 1980 to today, are the Artist's Choice
for the year they were created. This gallery presents
a selection of the most inspired works made in studios 
across the United States.

Creme de la Clay- Artist's Choice 1980-2008

These works, from 1980 to today, are the Artist's Choice for the year ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2008 8:36am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2007  Arlington, VA Barcoft Elementary School : CHALK4PEACE 2007 Arlington, VA 
Barcroft Elementary School 
photos: Alissa Karton

CHALK4PEACE 2007 Arlington, VA Barcoft Elementary School

CHALK4PEACE 2007 Arlington, VA Barcroft Elementary School photos: Al ...

Updated: Nov 10, 2007 6:09pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2007 Bethlehem, West Bank SOS Herman Gmeiner School : CHALK4PEACE 2007- Bethlehem, West Bank 
SOS Herman Gmeiner School 
photos: Sarah Jayne Bleiweis

CHALK4PEACE 2007 Bethlehem, West Bank SOS Herman Gmeiner School

CHALK4PEACE 2007- Bethlehem, West Bank SOS Herman Gmeiner School pho ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 8:26pm PST

PAINTS presents CHALK4PEACE at Beach Elementary School, Piedmont, CA : This gallery is under construction.
PAINTS presented CHALK4PEACE 2007 at the Beach School Playground in Piedmont, CA September 16, 2007. 200 artists participated 
and more than 500 visitors attended PAINTS'  6th Sidewalk Chalk Painting Festival in conjunction with CHALK4PEACE. Many artists
approached their expressions with Italian Street Painting attention to detail and scale that turned the playground into a temporary outdoor 
museum on the art of Peace.  Our heartfelt thanks to PAINTS'  for their hard work, for Raul Porcino and the Beach Dads and all those hungry 
artistic CHALKSTARS!
Photos: copyright Mick Jones

PAINTS presents CHALK4PEACE at Beach Elementary School, Piedmont, CA

This gallery is under construction. PAINTS presented CHALK4PEACE 2007 ...

Updated: Oct 06, 2007 12:57am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2007- Centennial Park, Geneva, New York : Centennial Park in Geneva, New York was one of the most beautiful backdrops for CHALK4PEACE 2007.
Chapin Traugott organized a tremendous event in a hurry, complete with dramatic weather throughout the day!
The Geneva artists' use and integration of the irregular brickwork for their art around the Fountain was quite thoughtful and very clever.
Major kudos to Chapin and her team for launching one of the premier CHALK4pEACE events of 2007!
GENEVA, YOU ARE MIGHTY!

CHALK4PEACE 2007- Centennial Park, Geneva, New York

Centennial Park in Geneva, New York was one of the most beautiful back ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2007 7:12am PST

Community ARTS Therapy programme, St. George's Cathedral, S. Africa CHALK4PEACE 2007 : The Community ARTS Therapy programme presented their second CHALK4PEACE event 
in Cape Town, S. Africa on the steps of St. George's Cathedral, Saturday, September 15th.
Angela Rackstraw, Founder and  Director of CATh, said that about 70 young artists joined in
to make the steps of the famed cathedral as colorful as they've ever been! Rain did nothing to 
dampen the enthusiasm of the artists, who represented the continent of Africa in CHALK4PEACE.
Our thanks and appreciation go out to St. George's Cathedral for kindly encouraging CHALK4PEACE
and to Ms. Peggy Phelps, who donated fine drawing materials for the artists for the second year.
Mr. Rackstraw also set in motion the CHALK4PEACE event in Cork, Ireland, when she told her friend,
Catherine Phillips, who launched the event through the Cork School Project.
Photos by Angela Rackstraw and Gabby van Heerden

Community ARTS Therapy programme, St. George's Cathedral, S. Africa CHALK4PEACE 2007

The Community ARTS Therapy programme presented their second CHALK4PEAC ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2007 10:58am PST

Cork School Project, Cork City, Ireland CHALK4PEACE 2007 : Ireland's CHALK4PEACE event was held in 'Cork School Project', a city centre National School in the South of Ireland. 
The sun shone all day. Over 200 children took part, one class at a time, with teachers and class room assistants also 
enjoying the experience. The event facilitators drew some outlines of peace symbols to start the children off...but the 
children quickly spread their drawings further afield, ultimately covering the entire school yard and some walls with their 
own symbols and pictures of peace.  Again thank you for the opportunity to host this wonderful and fantastic event in Ireland!!

Louise Foott and Catherine Phillips are the organizers and were told about CHALK4PEACE by Angela Rackstraw of the Community 
Arts Therapy programme, who organized CHALK4PEACE at St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa. Thanks!
Talk about Global Cooperation! 
Photos copyright Louise Foott

Cork School Project, Cork City, Ireland CHALK4PEACE 2007

Ireland's CHALK4PEACE event was held in 'Cork School Project', a city ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2007 4:40am PST

Cragmont Elementary School, Berkeley, CA CHALK4PEACE 2007 : Cragmont Elementary School in Berkeley chalked it up for the second year.
Anthony Chavez, C4P guru, exhorted the artists to create one of the most 
beautiful peace symbols in their courtyard we've seen. 
Our thanks to Team CHALK4PEACE, Cragmont for painting the planet the colors of peace...
All photos copyright Jerry Downs Photography.

Cragmont Elementary School, Berkeley, CA CHALK4PEACE 2007

Cragmont Elementary School in Berkeley chalked it up for the second ye ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2007 1:59am PST

Ashlawn Elementary School/Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, Arlington, VA CHALK4PEACE 2007 : This gallery is currently under construction.
The CHALK4PEACE events at Ashlawn Elementary School and the Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church
were again spearheaded by Arlington C4P guru, Anne Bridgman.
The Ashlawn event took place on Friday Sept. 14; while the AUU project happened midday on Sunday Sept. 16.
We are grateful to Anne, Ashlawn, and the Unitarian Universalist Church for their continued enthusiasm for
CHALK4PEACE.

Ashlawn Elementary School/Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church, Arlington, VA CHALK4PEACE 2007

This gallery is currently under construction. The CHALK4PEACE events a ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2007 9:11am PST

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Washington, DC CHALK4PEACE 2007 : This gallery is currently under construction.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC hosted its third CHALK4PEACE 
event in as many years. Other DC Public Libraries participated as well. It was on this plaza in 2005
that the decision was made to take CHALK4PEACE global, to make a concerted effort to bring 
CHALK4PEACE to the WORLD! Two years later, almost 200,000 young artists of all ages 
painted the planet the colors of peace. Thanks go to the DC Public Library System and
Ms. Yvette Davis for providing CHALK4PEACE with a central venue again in the heart of Washington, DC!
Woodlawn Elementary School of Alexandria again joined in to paint the plaza the colors of peace...

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Washington, DC CHALK4PEACE 2007

This gallery is currently under construction. Dr. Martin Luther King, ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2007 9:35am PST

Organization of American States, Washington, DC CHALK4PEACE 2007 : The Organization of American States presented their second CHALK4PEACE event in the Nation's Capital Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16, 2007.
Distinguished speakers were 
Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States and 
Her Excellency Maria del Lujan Flores, Ambassador, 
Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the Organization of American States.
More than 40 countries and 15 states were represented in chalk at the OAS site. John Aaron, Global Project Founder of CHALK4PEACE, 
flew in from California Sunday morning to attend and document the event at 17th and Constitution Avenues.

Organization of American States, Washington, DC CHALK4PEACE 2007

The Organization of American States presented their second CHALK4PEACE ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2008 1:51am PST

Valley View Elementary School, Richmond CA CHALK4PEACE 2007 : Here are some of the first photos from CHALK4PEACE.
Valley View Elementary School, Richmond, CA had 400 students
decorate SIX 30' peace symbols! Jonothan Dumas donated the chalk and much of his time for the event.
Congratulations Valley View, on your talent and energy!
YOU ROCK YOU CHALK!

Valley View Elementary School, Richmond CA CHALK4PEACE 2007

Here are some of the first photos from CHALK4PEACE. Valley View Elemen ...

Updated: Sep 26, 2007 9:53pm PST

Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia CHALK4PEACE 2007 : Fairfax County Public Schools, Northern Virginia, joined in for CHALK4PEACE in 2007 with an incredible enthusiasm 
that continues to spread throughout the land! Woodlawn, Hunter's Wood, and Waples Mill Elementary Schools are shown here.
There are more photos to come!
Our hats off to these forward thinking folks who give peace a chance.
Marielle Mariano, CHALK4PEACE guru, Arts Specialist at Woodlawn, spearheaded the Northern Virginia effort, with her artists 
showing up to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday to chalk it up at the original American site for CHALK4PEACE.
You make the world a more peaceful place. Thanks! CHALK ON!

Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia CHALK4PEACE 2007

Fairfax County Public Schools, Northern Virginia, joined in for CHALK4 ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2007 9:05am PST

Superior Elementary School, Louisville, CO CHALK4PEACE 2007 : Superior Elementary School sponsored its second CHALK4PEACE Invitational
for the Boulder Valley School District on Sunday September 16, 2007.
Illustrious teams like the Unicorn Peace Girls, Moose Girls 4 Peace
and Team Fairy swooped down upon the site and left their chalk marks. 
They had a 35' painted peace symbol to work with that remains on the playground year round.
Our fond thanks to Mike Wojzcuk for making CHALK4PEACE happen in Boulder County once again...

Superior Elementary School, Louisville, CO CHALK4PEACE 2007

Superior Elementary School sponsored its second CHALK4PEACE Invitation ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2007 12:28am PST

ART Department, Vallejo, California CHALK4PEACE 2007 : The ART Department and the Vallejo Artists Guild held their CHALK4PEACE event 
during the Farmer's Market in the middle of Georgia Street in downtown Vallejo
on 9/14. An incredible amount of teamwork and enthusiasm resulted in one of the 
most stunning symbols of peace we've seen. Our thanks to the ART Department, and 
in particular, Harold Beaulieu, and the City of Vallejo for joining us for CHALK4PEACE.
All photos copyright The ART Department.

ART Department, Vallejo, California CHALK4PEACE 2007

The ART Department and the Vallejo Artists Guild held their CHALK4PEAC ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2007 12:29am PST

CHALK4PEACE events were EVERYWHERE! : CHALK4PEACE 2007 sprung up on sidewalk after sidewalk, plaza after plaza, in parking lots and playgrounds around the world.
Shown in order:
Mothers Acting Up, Boulder, Colorado; Cosmic Ties, Cosby, TN; The Children's Museum of the Arts of New York City; 
NOCCS event, Bakery Lofts, Emeryville, CA, Yoga In Daily Life, Alexandria, VA
Photo Credits are in each photo's caption

CHALK4PEACE events were EVERYWHERE!

CHALK4PEACE 2007 sprung up on sidewalk after sidewalk, plaza after pla ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2007 7:50am PST

Aaron's Apparel-Wearable Artwork : Spawned from John Aaron's theatrical three-dimensionalizations of van Gogh's paintings, first with sculpture in the 80's; 
then in the late 90's, with wearable art, these award-winning hats and jackets have a stage presence with the feel of a 
time traveler stepping out of a historic painting. Black light activated, the garments also glow-in-the-dark.
Perfect for quietly standing out in the crowd, Aaron's Apparel from the House of Modern ARF introduces its 
unique line of wearable artwork. Each piece has a title, and is waterproof, weatherproof, and will endure
as a timeless work of art. Photos except where noted by Barry Robinison Photo.
Hat model: Francesca Agrusa

Aaron's Apparel-Wearable Artwork

Spawned from John Aaron's theatrical three-dimensionalizations of van ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2007 12:35pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2007 for the World! : CHALK4PEACE...the first global sidewalk chalk painting event is BACK!
CHALK4PEACE is the young person's global arts project that took place last September 15-17, 2006. 
Last year, thousands of young artists of all ages around the planet created sidewalk chalk paintings 
that focused upon peace. Children of the world painted a path of color around it.
Children from over 100 countries participated in CHALK4PEACE!
WE'RE BACK and even Bigger!

CHALK4PEACE 2007 is scheduled for September 14 - 16, 2007...EVERYWHERE!
visit chalk4peace.blogspot.com  Questions and inquiries: chalk4peace@gmail.com 
CHALK4PEACE 2007: Coming to a sidewalk near you... 

To see the other CHALK4PEACE 2006 galleries that show events from around the world,
simply go to the top of this page, and CLICK ON the first "CHALK4PEACE 2006" 
(the un-highlighted one)
There you will find the photogalleries of locations that participated in CHALK4PEACE.

2007 CHALK4PEACE Sites (partial list) 
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, & the Washington, DC Public Library System  
- St. George’s Cathedral, Cape Town, South Africa, “The People’s Cathedral”
- Organization of American States, Washington, DC; Site: 17th and Constitution Ave.
- Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, CA  
- Superior Elementary School, Louisville, CO (Sept. 16 event)
- Oakland Museum of Children’s Art, CA; Valley View Elementary School, El Sobrante, CA 
- Cragmont Elementary School, Berkeley, CA and Barcroft and Glebe Elementary Schools, Arlington, VA
- Children's Museum of Art, New York City 
- Portland, Oregon Artist Nancy Hiss continues through the weekend with her long term IRAQ NAMES PROJECT....http://iraqnamesproject.wordpress.com
- Washington-Lee H.S., and Ashlawn Elementary, Arlington, VA 
- N. H. Association for the Education of Young Children- in Child Care facilities and schools throughout the State!
- Woodlawn Elementary School, Alexandria, VA and others;
- Beach Elementary (PAINTS), Piedmont, CA
- Boys & Girls Club, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County), MD
- Damascus Community Recreation Center, Damascus, MD
- Dos Gringos Cafe, Mt Pleasant Neighborhood, DC  
- City/County Neighborhood Initiative, W. Oakland, CA
- Unity of Fairfax Church, Oakton, VA as part of their 51st Anniversary!
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA- Sunday event 
- Cosmic Ties, Cosby, TN
- Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA
- Jenks School and City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
- The ART Department, Georgia St. Vallejo, CA
- The mighty town of Hudson Falls, NY
- City Hall Interactive Chalkboard, Charlottesville, VA; 
 conceived and run by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression.
- Manila Cafe - The Centennial Restaurant, Springfield, VA 
.................More springing up daily!
Please post where your C4P event will be!
  
You helped our kids show the world that they mean "Peace!"
Please join us again this coming September when we paint the planet the color of peace.
"When the chalk dust settles,
let the streets be washed with peace..."
John Aaron, CHALK4PEACE, Inc.

CHALK4PEACE, N.A. was designed and created in America by John Aaron of the Museum of Modern ARF.
Photos Copyright the photographers or CHALK4PEACE, Inc. unless otherwise specified. Reproduction is by permission.

CHALK4PEACE 2007 for the World!

CHALK4PEACE...the first global sidewalk chalk painting event is BACK! ...

Updated: Dec 19, 2006 9:52am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Washington, DC -  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library : CHALK4PEACE 2006 - September 16, 2006
CHALK4PEACE painted the plaza of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library 
and the sidewalks of thirteen other DC Public Libraries.
Artists from the Student Council of Woodlawn Elementary School of Fairfax County along with dozens 
of other kids of all ages lit up the plaza with their colorful renditions of peace. 
Several of DC's top artists and arts educators joined in the fun; 
the volunteers were a tremendous help and made this event a dream come true!

CHALK4PEACE thanks all of you worldwide!

CHALK4PEACE especially thanks Ms. Yvette Davis and the DC Library System for leading the way 
for the second straight year with their enthusiasm and encouragement of CHALK4PEACE.

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Washington, DC - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - September 16, 2006 CHALK4PEACE painted the plaza of ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2006 6:50am PST

TIZAS PARA LA PAZ 2006 Washington, DC - Organization of American States : The Organization of American States, Washington, D.C.
hosted a wonderful event for CHALK4PEACE on the plaza 
leading to the OAS General Secretariat Main Building at 
17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW on Saturday and Sunday.
En Espanol, es "Tizas Para La Paz."
 
Saturday, September 16, 2006
10:00 a.m. CHALK4PEACE artist registration
10:30 a.m. Remarks by OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
10:45 a.m. Remarks by Ambassador Luis Gallegos of Ecuador
11:00 a.m. Remarks by Ambassador Michael King of Barbados 

Entonces, empezo Tizas Para La Paz.
Las artists trabajen hasta cuatro en la tarde.

Sunday, September 17, 2006
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Continuation of drawing activities and conclusion of the project.
 
CHALK4PEACE thanks the OAS for being a major force with TIZAS PARA LA PAZ.
We also thank the Secretary General of the OAS and the Ambassadors of Ecuador and Barbados 
for their participation and encouragement for TIZAS PARA LA PAZ.
OAS Coordinators:
Elba Molina at emolina@oas.org or (202) 458-3585;  
Gabriel Gross at ggross@oas.org or (202) 458-3752

TIZAS PARA LA PAZ 2006 Washington, DC - Organization of American States

The Organization of American States, Washington, D.C. hosted a wonderf ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2006 7:44am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - Cape Town, South Africa, St. George's Cathedral : CHALK4PEACE 2006 Cape Town, South Africa
St. George's Cathedral

This gallery is under construction.

Artists brightening the steps...
organized by the COMMUNITY ARTS THERAPY programme
Angela Rackstraw, Director and Photographer

CHALK4PEACE thanks all of those who encouraged and supported
the event in Cape Town, which was the first location outside
of the United States to organize for CHALK4PEACE 2006.

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - Cape Town, South Africa, St. George's Cathedral

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Cape Town, South Africa St. George's Cathedral Th ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2006 4:47pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Berkeley, CA - Cragmont Elementary School : Cragmont Elementary School is nestled in the hills of Berkeley.
One of the first schools in the nation to embrace this as a school-wide event,
a multitude of people turned out to celebrate Cragmont's creativity of peace.
Some of the best photographic work at a CHALK4PEACE site may have been
done here, on a picture perfect day.
Spearheaded by Anthony Chavez and Kelly Keller, Cragmont parents, 
with Brenda Grissom and the Cragmont PTA, the young artists went 
to work and wove, with chalk, one of the definitive tapestries of peace.

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Berkeley, CA - Cragmont Elementary School

Cragmont Elementary School is nestled in the hills of Berkeley. One of ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 8:21pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Boulder, Colorado- Boulder Public Library "CHALK WALK" : The Boulder Public Library held its "CHALK WALK"
on Sunday September 17, 2006. The photos suggest that
it too was a picture perfect day in Colorado.
Donna Gartenmann, arts guru and visonary at the Library, 
brought the community together to CHALK 4 PEACE.
A talented collection of artists showed up.

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Boulder, Colorado- Boulder Public Library "CHALK WALK"

The Boulder Public Library held its "CHALK WALK" on Sunday September 1 ...

Updated: Oct 06, 2006 4:45pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - Claremont, CA; Harvey Mudd College : Harvey Mudd College of Claremont, CA was the first college in the United States 
to celebrate CHALK4PEACE on their campus, which was organized by the MuCC 
(the Mudd Creative Collective) and the Dean of Students Office.

A mighty collection of students, faculty, staff, faculty children, 
college trustees, Harvey Mudd's president and a faculty dog painted 
the sidewalks with their messages for peace and a future of hope.
This CHALK4PEACE site was truly an event for kids of ALL ages!

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - Claremont, CA; Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College of Claremont, CA was the first college in the Unit ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 8:25am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006  Arlington, VA - Glebe Elementary School : CHALK4PEACE found an enthusiastic home at
Glebe Elementary School in Arlington, VA.
Almost 500 people, artists, educators and parents
came out Friday afternoon Sept. 15 and drew more than
500 linear feet of CHALK4PEACE art. It included a 
Peace Symbol with a 40 foot diameter! Nice work, Lynn!
We thank all those who made it happen at Glebe; and also
the Humanities Project of Arlington County for spreading the word!

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Arlington, VA - Glebe Elementary School

CHALK4PEACE found an enthusiastic home at Glebe Elementary School in A ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 12:16pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Arlington, VA Ashlawn Elementary School : Ashlawn Elementary School, Arlington VA may have been the first group 
of artists to set CHALK4PEACE in motion when they began drawing on 
the playground Friday morning, September 15, at 9 a.m. E.S.T.
150 children joined in the colorful fun.

One young fellow showed us his drawing of a flag.
He said, "This is the flag of my country. I want you 
to know that Mongolia is represented in CHALK4PEACE."

Anne Bridgman, an Ashlawn parent and longtime peace advocate, 
arranged CHALK4PEACE events at both Ashlawn Elementary
and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

Ashlawn was also one of the Arlington County Schools
that, through the Humanities Project of Arlington 
and Carol Regier, an Ashlawn educator, brought 
Modern ARF's Chalk Painting Workshop to chalk up 
their courtyard during the past school year. 

Children from more than 100 countries were represented worldwide in CHALK4PEACE.

CHALK4PEACE 2006- Arlington, VA Ashlawn Elementary School

Ashlawn Elementary School, Arlington VA may have been the first group ...

Updated: Oct 04, 2006 6:43am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006  Arlington, VA Unitarian Universalist Church : Anne Bridgman launched CHALK4PEACE events at Ashlawn Elementary School and Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington, VA. 
Here is her story. Photos of the Unitarian Universalist Church are below; and can also be found in the Ashlawn CHALK4PEACE Gallery.
 
I’d heard about Chalk4Peace, seen signs around Arlington, and kept telling myself to find out 
more about it. Finally, less than two weeks before the first event was scheduled to take place, 
I typed Chalk4Peace into my computer. That’s when the magic began.

How could I not help bring Chalk4Peace to my daughter’s school, to my church, to anyone and 
anywhere where there were children and an opportunity to learn about peace? With all the 
headlines and news stories we read day in and day out—stories about war, about crime, 
about violence and strife in our country and around the world—Chalk4Peace seemed one small 
way to help bring up for discussion the important topic of peace. And who better to talk 
about peace with than children, the people who will be leading the world tomorrow?

I asked the principal at my daughter’s school, Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington, VA
if we could do a Chalk4Peace event there. He said yes. I spoke to the art teacher and 
she had supplies. I put up signs and sent notices to teachers. We were to take part 
in the project on Friday, September 15.

Next, I asked if the religious education classes at the Unitarian Universalist Church 
of Arlington could take part. We set the date of Sunday, September 17, to have the children 
from two groups of classes take part. 

Friday, the 15th dawned rather cloudy, but the sky cleared, and starting at 11:15 a.m., 
the first group of students at Ashlawn came out to the back area of the school during recess. 
They eyed the chalk I’d assembled on the blacktop (perfect area for drawing), looked at 
the Chalk4Peace banner I’d hung between two trees, and asked what was going on.

“Today,” I explained, “we’re doing a project called Chalk4Peace. We’re asking students to 
draw their visions of peace. Use your imagination. Draw whatever comes into your mind. 
Here’s some chalk.”

With that, the children crouched down, colored chalk in their hands, and began to draw. 
Soon, peace signs emerged, as did houses, churches, angels and doves. One boy drew a flag 
from his native Mongolia, took my hand, and told me, “That’s my country’s flag.” Another 
sat down and drew a smiling sun. Three girls got together to team up on a picture of a moon. 
A boy sat in the middle of a large red heart, drawing circles around himself to amplify 
the design. One girl asked me, “What is the color of peace?”

The first group of children left reluctantly, replaced by a second group, which drew more designs. 
By 1:30, three groups had come out and the blacktop was covered with visions of peace.  All the 
kids said they didn’t want to leave. Many asked if they could draw peace again the next day — 
even though it was a Saturday.

On Sunday, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, we held another event. The children 
came outside and set to drawing their visions of peace.  Each child had a picture of peace in her 
or his mind, and each drew it carefully and with determination. By the time the adults started 
streaming out of the church, the sidewalk was covered with vibrant visions of peace.

It was a great pleasure to be involved in this beneficial project. 
I look forward to doing it again next year!

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Arlington, VA Unitarian Universalist Church

Anne Bridgman launched CHALK4PEACE events at Ashlawn Elementary School ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2006 6:50pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006  -  Arlington, VA -  Washington  Lee High School : Washington Lee High School of Arlington, VA 
was the first high school we know of to participate
in CHALK4PEACE. They had some awesome big sticks of 
vivid chalk and, among the art you see here, drew a 
whale so large that we couldn't photograph it! 
The artists often used "wordsmithing" to make their point.
Brilliant colors made much of their work appear more like painting.
About 50 artists joined in, encouraged by students who have participated
in previous Modern ARF chalk painting events and their visual arts teacher 
and mentor, Joanne Bickelhaupt. Some continued their chalk adventures
on Saturday when they showed up at the King Library in DC.

CHALK4PEACE 2006 - Arlington, VA - Washington Lee High School

Washington Lee High School of Arlington, VA was the first high school ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2006 3:56pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006 PASADENA, CA  - Armory Center for the Arts : The Armory Center for the Arts hosted a CHALK4PEACE event
and spread the word about the project
as far away as Cape Town, South Africa.

CHALK4PEACE 2006 PASADENA, CA - Armory Center for the Arts

The Armory Center for the Arts hosted a CHALK4PEACE event and spread t ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2006 6:02am PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Santa Barbara, CA - ARTS ALIVE Creativity Center : ARTS ALIVE Creativity Center took the lead in Santa Barbara, creating 
a multi tiered arts event for CHALK4PEACE down by the beach. 
Some 500 "chalksters" decorated the wall, a continuous drawing that
stretched for a thousand feet! Many enlightened organizations participated, 
as well as incredible musicians, dancers and entertainers to bring attention 
to just how important peace is and how much fun peace can be!
CHALK4PEACE thanks Morris B. Squire for his support of CHALK4PEACE;
and Laura Inks and her crew at ARTS ALIVE Creativity Center in SB
for the countless hours and dedicated efforts they made to bring 
the event to the public's attention, to include the community; 
and for the visionary approach they took in creating their CHALK4PEACE event.

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Santa Barbara, CA - ARTS ALIVE Creativity Center

ARTS ALIVE Creativity Center took the lead in Santa Barbara, creating ...

Updated: Oct 03, 2006 9:01am PST

ARF-The Final CHALKING Clarendon Day 2006 : The Museum of Modern ARF closed its doors after four years
of bringing cutting edge visual arts to the DC area.
Its physical space was taken over by a new restaurant.
Its demise was chronicled in the Washington Post Business Section,
in the article,    November 13, 2006.
More than 300 artists from more than 30 countries exhibited
at the museum; and its chalk painting events, including
CHALK4PEACE, reached some hundred thousand artists of all ages.

Thank you too, Clarendon, for the run. It was fun!
Say hi to all of Sonnet's friends for us.

John Aaron, Director, Artist and Educator has relocated 
Modern ARF to California. Visit this site often for updates
and information on the new studio and CHALK4PEACE 2007.
The trip west was referred to as the "Hi-Ho Silver" Tour.

ARF-The Final CHALKING Clarendon Day 2006

The Museum of Modern ARF closed its doors after four years of bringing ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2006 6:11am PST

Pantheon of Scoundrels 2002-2005 : Aaron's Pantheon of Scoundrels is a collection 
of Renaissance style della Robbia mixed media portraits
that represent renowned 21st century  figures in business and politics.
Characters are adding themselves to the Pantheon regularly.

Pantheon of Scoundrels 2002-2005

Aaron's Pantheon of Scoundrels is a collection of Renaissance style d ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2008 6:49pm PST

Bush League: The Past Four Years : Bush League: The Past Four Years"
a wall sculpture made of porcelain
7 x 13' x 9" Installed at 3107 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA
Oct. 2004 
Collection of David Shurtz, esq.
Made by John Aaron
Considered one of the premier sculptural commentaries 
about politics on public display in the U.S., the controversial
work has been under scrutiny and critique since its beginnings
as part of the "Pantheon of Scoundrels" in 2002.
The window that protects it was mysteriously cracked in the Fall of 2005;
subsequent windstorms destroyed the glass panel in 2006.
The panel has since been replaced. The work was not damaged.

Bush League: The Past Four Years

Bush League: The Past Four Years" a wall sculpture made of porcelain ...

Updated: Nov 23, 2004 5:37am PST

The Scrolls : "The Scrolls" are a traveling international art project founded by Mary Walker of South Carolina in 2005.
She asked artists to create scrolls and pass them onto other artists.
This exhibition is the result of her endeavors and the efforts of others. 78 artists responded.
"The Scrolls" pose the question, "WHY?" Scrolls came in from as far away as Italy and Baghdad.
"The Scrolls" opened at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, sponsored 
by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in 2005.

Cleveland-based artists Barbara Chira and Julie Friedman, organized the presentation of "The Scrolls" 
at Gallery West, Cuyahoga Community College/Western Campus, Parma, Ohio early 2006.

"The Scrolls" made their debut in the Washington area at the 
Museum of Modern ARF in Arlington, VA. 
May 12 - July 14, 2006
Public reception: Saturday, May 13, 6 - 9 pm
Bastille Day Show Closing Soiree: Friday, July 14, 2006. French wine will be served.

Copyrights to the images are held by the artists. Images are not for sale.
Specific pieces are available and are priced accordingly.
This gallery is still under construction.

The Scrolls

"The Scrolls" are a traveling international art project founded by Mar ...

Updated: May 22, 2006 5:44am PST

The CONGRESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL at Artomatic : John Aaron's "CONGRESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL" at DC's Artomatic 
was an installation where politicians & voters came to repent their sins...
The Book of Sins was full in the first week... 
A reading of  "The Book" will be videotaped 
in time for the Inauguration.

Sculptures included: 
"DC Quarter: The Madness of King George,"  
"Stop It, You're Skilling Me,"
"Senator Staunch,"  "Recount Your Blessings,"  
"There, There...Did You Have a Nightmare?," 
M. Planisek's photcollage painting, "Uncle Scam" 
and "Chuckles & Co.," Aaron's Infamous Porcelain Skulls.

ARTOMATIC and this Installation took place at the 
old Capital City Children's Museum,
Washington, DC  Nov. 12 - Dec. 5 2004.

This installation was featured online
at www.WashingtonPost.com 
in the slide show about Artomatic 11/11/04
and was mentioned in numerous articles and blogs 
in more than one language.

Contact Aaron@ModernARF.com to  arrange for an installation 
of the "The Congressional Confessional" in your city or country.

The CONGRESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL at Artomatic

John Aaron's "CONGRESSIONAL CONFESSIONAL" at DC's Artomatic was an i ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2004 6:35am PST

Artists of " Breaking the Silence II" : These works of art are from the recent exhibition, 
Breaking the Silence II: Questioning Power Now More Than Ever."
The exhibition took place Oct. 11 -   Nov. 24, 2004. 
A Bush supporter called the police on this show, calling it, 
"demonic, sadistic, obscene and highly unpatriotic."
Some Democrats seemed to be
somewhat afraid of it too.
The exhibition stands as one of the premier exhibitions 
on political commentary in 2004.

The artists own the copyrights of their respective works.
All works are for sale.

Artists of " Breaking the Silence II"

These works of art are from the recent exhibition, Breaking the Sile ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2006 9:13am PST

East Bay Open Studios at the Bakery Lofts : East Bay Open Studios, produced by Pro Arts, 
presents the Artists of the Bakery Lofts 
in Incredible Emeryville.
June 2-3 and 9-10, 2007   11am - 6pm all four days
BAKERY LOFTS
4600 Adeline St. Emeryville, CA
corner of Adeline and 46th Streets
Email contact: Aaron@Modernarf.com
Hotline: 248-720-9119

The Bakery Lofts event includes 
a multitude of media by a blooming colony of artists of exceptional vision;
our Sculpture Courtyard; bluegrass entertainers; a Sequoia Balloon forest; 
a pottery demo tribute to Peter Voulkos; large scale wall works 
and fine craftsmanship that is the standard of fine art.

The Bakery's motto for artists: No Loafing.

Please join us for East Bay Open Studios.

East Bay Open Studios at the Bakery Lofts

East Bay Open Studios, produced by Pro Arts, presents the Artists of ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2007 9:31pm PST

Modern ARF Chalk Painting Events : Modern ARF Chalk Painting Events 2005-2006

CSC Clarendon Cup Bike Race, VA  6/06
"Giant Bike Tire" 30' dia....300 artists of all ages made their mark.
Sponsored by Arlington Sports, Inc.

"School's Out!" Chalk Painting Workshop, 
Ashlawn Elementary School, Arlington, VA 6/06
60 kids and their summer vacations...
and
Campbell Elementary School Earth Day Celebration April 18, 2006
70 4th and 5th graders decorated the sidewalks of the school in Arlington.
Sponsored by the Humanities Project of Arlington County.

The Whole Foods Earth Day Chalk Painting Celebration, April 20, 2005
Arlington, VA. 60 kids participated; and everyone had a blast. 
The rains came the very next day and washed it all away...

Modern Arf Chalk Painting has personally worked 
with more than 750 artists in the past 15 months 
to help prepare them for CHALK4PEACE on September 16, 2006

All photos are copyright John Aaron enless otherwise noted.

Modern ARF Chalk Painting Events

Modern ARF Chalk Painting Events 2005-2006 CSC Clarendon Cup Bike R ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2006 6:37pm PST

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Gallery 2 : CHALK4PEACE is HAPPENING!
Tips of last minute things to do to prepare…
-Make sure you have secured the site you are
planning to draw upon, if it’s a public space.
Talk to the city, county or the property owners.

- Make sure no laws such as trespassing, 
destruction or defacing of property are violated.
No acts of civil disobedience are allowed.
Special permits may be required at certain locations. 
CHALK4PEACE is a law abiding event. 
Permits and clearances have been issued at all major sites 
listed in the CHALK4PEACE gallery. 
(www.chalk4peace.org)

-Check your location surface. 
Is it a place that works to draw upon? Most surfaces will work, 
except for polished marble and real crummy asphalt or concrete.  

-VERY IMPORTANT: Prep the site by sweeping or washing it a day or two 
prior to the event. You don’t want kids trying to draw through dirt. 
Your County street cleaning operations may be able to help.

-Talk to your Police Department. Let them know.
-Tell the local business owners. They may help.

Please note that a number of schools in the U.S. 
are planning their events for Friday afternoon, Sept. 15.

INVITE THE WORLD!

HAVE an absolutely fabulous weekend of CHALK4PEACE!

CHALK4PEACE 2006 Gallery 2

CHALK4PEACE is HAPPENING! Tips of last minute things to do to prepare ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2006 6:39am PST

Artomatic 2004: The Art and Artists : Artomatic 2004 is the fourth arts extravaganza by AOM and is at
800 Third St., DC
(corner of Third & H Sts.)
Nov 12 - Dec 5, 2004
www.artomatic.org
for times and events

This gallery portrays the art and the artists.

Artomatic 2004: The Art and Artists

Artomatic 2004 is the fourth arts extravaganza by AOM and is at 800 T ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2004 7:24pm PST

Custom Art Prints : These images are archival reproductions of works from 
John Aaron and Modern ARF. 
Size: 19" x 13"
Printed in-house by Modern ARF Publishing,
They are available for $25.00 each, signed in pencil by the artist.

Custom Art Prints

These images are archival reproductions of works from John Aaron and ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 12:13pm PST

Art Classes at the Museum of Modern ARF : The Museum of Modern ARF features courses in 2-dimensional media and
'Renaissance to contemporary' clay sculpture. Courses are year round.

"Two - D: Drawing from Inside the Brain"
Tuesday nights, 7 - 10 p.m. 
An exploration into high calibre drawing and painting materials,
including a couple not taught anywhere else.
12 sessions, includes all materials: $350.00

"Sculpture in Clay: Mud to Art" Mondays, 7 - 10 p.m.
Learn Renaissance master forms and tricks with porcelain 
to create your own timeless masterpiece!
12 sessions: $350.00 includes materials and firings.

All courses take place in the Main Studio 
of The Museum of Modern ARF. Enrollment is ongoing.
Ages: 10 to 100

The Modern ARF Chalk Painting Sessions 
begin on Hudson St. around Memorial Day.
Please see the CHALK4PEACE gallery for updates
on the young person's global art event on Sept. 16 -17, 2006.

Art Classes at the Museum of Modern ARF

The Museum of Modern ARF features courses in 2-dimensional media and ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2005 2:28pm PST

HAND PICKED Exhibition: 2004 : "HAND PICKED" was an 
all media art exhibition 
curated from the 
Artomatic 2004 artists. 
The show includes a couple of other artists 
who are good friends of the museum. (*)

OPENING: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004
6 - 9 p.m.
It closed Jan. 15, 2005.
It featured specific works selected
for this exhibition. 
All works were for sale in this Holiday show.

Participating artists included:
Gregory Ferrand, Jared Davis, Ellen Weiss, Sondra Arkin, Scott Brooks, Anna Demovidova, Ardath Hill, Brenda M. Sylvia, Joyce Zipperer, Frank Fishburne, Candace Keegan, Chad Alan, Rebecca Fairbanks, Maggie O’Neill, Kim Reyes, Marcie Wolf-Hubbard, Mark Planisek*, Roger Cutler, Ronni Jolles, Steve Lewis*, Al Underwood*, Helen Zughaib*, Elizabeth Jernigan, 
John Aaron, Mary Beth Ramsey, Kayti Didriksen, Michael Janis, Ruth Maruschak*....

Each artist maintains the copyright of his/her work. 
Images may not be used without 
the express written consent of the artist. 
All Rights Reserved.

HAND PICKED Exhibition: 2004

"HAND PICKED" was an all media art exhibition curated from the A ...

Updated: Dec 28, 2004 5:49am PST