Aug 10, 2026

Divine Word College's Weyland Art Gallery will host Imagine Peace, a group exhibition by Anamosa-based artist Xene Abraham and Project Create Peace, from August 12 through September 25.

Abraham is the visionary founder and director of Ageless Art Inc., a nonprofit organization promoting the transformative power of art through creative experiences.  Project Create Peace, an Ageless Art initiative encourages people to use art to cultivate peace within themselves and, ultimately, the world around them.

The exhibition centers on a new peace symbol Abraham developed after reflecting on the power that symbols hold to shape thought and action. Drawing from both nature and sacred imagery, her re-imagined symbol incorporates the Earth, a fountain of life, the Tree of Life, Fibonacci spirals and a lotus flower to represent interconnectedness, abundance and renewal.

For Abraham, the symbol is only the beginning. Project Create Peace was born after years of exploring the relationship between creativity, mindfulness and service to others. Through the initiative, she encourages people to create their own version of the new symbol in any medium as a way to cultivate inner peace while increasing hope and human connection. Research suggesting creative expression can reduce stress and improve problem-solving has also influenced her work, reinforcing her belief that art making helps people become more present, intentional and connected.

"While I was painting this, my brain was on fire," Abraham said. "I thought everyone everywhere needs to make their own peace. We can create a tangible symbol that fuels our future."

Rather than simply displaying artwork, Imagine Peace invites visitors to consider how creativity, symbolism and intentional action can inspire positive change. Abraham hopes the exhibition inspires others to create their own interpretations of the peace symbol and join a growing movement centered on imagination, compassion and possibility.

A public reception with the artist will be held Thursday, August 20, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. The Weyland Art Gallery, located at 102 Jacoby Drive SW in Epworth, Iowa, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment. For more information, please contact Erin LaBelle at (563) 876-3353 or elabelle@dwci.edu